Lycaste

TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY:The deciduous yellow lycastes and Lycaste macrophylla, as well as their hybrids, are warmth tolerant and will perform with temperatures into the 90 F range provided there is sufficient air circulation. Extra shading will help reduce temperatures in warm areas. Also, many of the deciduous species will tolerate cooler temperatures than the Lyc. skinneri types. Lycaste skinneri types perform best with temperatures between 60 and 80 F, though they will tolerate slightly higher or lower temperatures for short periods.

Ideal humidity is between 50 and 70 percent, with as much ventilation or air circulation as possible. Growing plants on gravel trays or misting on bright days will maintain humidity, as will grouping several plants.

WATERING AND FERTILIZING: Plants grown in sphagnum moss or a mixture of fir bark and perlite need to be kept evenly moist, not soggy, or the roots may die. When in doubt, do not water. Mature plants should approach dryness particularly from blooming time until the new growth appears; seedlings should be kept evenly moist. The deciduous group prefers to dry out more than the Lyc. skinneri types during the winter rest period. Keep water off new growths to avoid damage.

As for most orchids, high water quality with low salt and mineral content is imperative. Feed with a balanced fertilizer (20-20-20) at half strength every other watering.

LIGHT: Filtered, indirect light of approximately 1,500 foot-candles is recommended. Direct sun will burn the leaves and too little light will result in few, if any, flowers. The leaves should be bright to yellowish green. Yellow leaves indicate too much light while dark-green leaves indicate too little.

POTTING: Potting is done annually after bloom when a plant's new growth is 3 to 6 inches tall. This is usually in the early spring to the early summer, but never during the hot summer months.
Plants in sphagnum moss should be potted in net pots or plastic containers that are well aerated and drained. Those in fine fir bark and perlite may be potted in plastic pots. Select a pot size that will just accommodate the roots; do not overpot.