Some plants thrive, some plants die and some limp along. This Barkeria spectabilis has been barely making it in my environment for seven years and it is no larger than when I got it. I have tried various light levels and different temperatures. This year it was chewed on by squirrels.
Barkeria spectabilis grows in Southern Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador on oak trees above 4000 feet. It is cool to warm growing, needs bright light with even brighter in winter and blooms in spring. The genus Barkeria (Bark) contains fewer than 20 species growing in Central America. All need a bright and dry winter rest.
It is the dry winter rest where I have choked. I have not been able to completely stop watering and wait for blooming and new growth. It doesn't look as if it could take it. But this year I have determined to go through with no water at all.
I'm like you. Two weeks is my max for stopping water. I start feeling sorry for them!
ReplyDeleteJohn
This species will not thrive without several months of absolutely zero water, bright winter light, and temps down into the upper 30s.
ReplyDeleteAsk Marni what her culture regimen is - she grows this species like a weed in her dry rest greenhouse.