LYCASTES

Lycastes are cool growing orchids and will grow happily outside with Cymbidiums during frost free months. It is best to grow them by putting them in an area which can have a covered top and front, leaving the sides open for ventilation. They need to be moved inside as soon as they are in spike.

Light: They do not like direct sun so give about 50% shade. They like quite bright light but a little less than for Cattleyas.

Temp: These are tolerant plants and have done well between 5 - 6'C on some winter nights to the mid 30's C in the summer. For optimum quality try to keep them from both extremes. Cool the air with a fan and/or by misting in the summer and give more water and humidity.

Air Circulation: This is important as with all orchids. It helps to avoid fungal infections. Huniidity needs to be below 80%.

Water: Keep plants moist but not wet, never let them become sodden. While the hard pseudobulbs are leafless the plant requires a cool, dry rest with only a little water given from time to time. When the new shoots appear, the plant should be given moderate shade and humidity but very little water until the roots are seen to be growing - then water abundantly

Feeding.. Feed a high nitrogen feed from late winter to midsummer and a mixture rich in phosphorous and potassium from summer to late winter. A.F.W. Alcom suggest that adding a little magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts) and chelated iron to the fertiliser will make plants grow more strongly.

Compost: A.F.W. Alcorn suggests using three sizes of bark pieces for Lycastes. He suggests crocking the pot and then have a layer of large pieces of bark followed by a layer of medium and small pieces of bark mixed together.

Before using bark for Lycates he suggests soaking it (each size in a separate container) in water for a week. Pour off water and soak again for another week but this time add lime (a handful for every 46 litres). This will help to lower the acidity of the bark (it increases the pH).

Pots: Round squat pots are best because the Lycaste root system does not go very deep but it likes to spread out.

Lycastes are supposed to be easy plants to cultivate and very similar to Cymbidiums so good luck with your efforts. Like Cymbidiums they are eye-catching a well worth a little effort.