Read more of Cultivation of Mystacidium capense (L.f.) Schltr.,
Light:
2000-3000 fc. Light should be filtered or diffused, and plants should not be exposed to direct midday sun. Strong air movement should be provided at all times. Van Ede (1990) reported that plants in cultivation seem to produce more blooms with increased light intensity.
Temperatures:
Summer days average 78-80F (26-27C), and nights average 66-68F (19-20C), with a diurnal range of 12F (7C).
Humidity:
70-75% most of the year, dropping to near 65% for 2-3 months in winter.
Water:
Rainfall is light to moderate throughout the year, with a somewhat drier period in winter. Cultivated plants should be watered often while actively growing, but drainage should be excellent and conditions around the roots should never be allowed to become stale or soggy. The McQueens (1992) report that plants should be allowed to dry out thoroughly between waterings.
Fertilizer:
1/4–1/2 recommended strength, applied weekly when plants are actively growing. Many growers use a high-nitrogen fertilizer from spring to midsummer, then switch to one high in phosphates in late summer and autumn.
Rest period:
Winter days average 71-72F (22C), and nights average 51-54F (11-12C), with a diurnal range of 17-20F (10-11C). Because of the range in habitat elevation, these plants should adapt to temperatures 6-8F (3-4C) cooler than indicated in the preceding climate table. Van Ede (1990) reported that night temperatures in winter can drop to 43F (6C) without any noticeable harm to these plants. Rainfall in the habitat is rather low in winter, but some additional moisture from heavy dew often is available. Water should be reduced for cultivated plants, but they should not be left completely without water for long periods. Occasional early-morning mistings between infrequent light waterings should provide sufficient moisture in most growing areas while also providing the dry winter rest necessary to promote blooming. Fertilizer should be reduced or eliminated until new growth starts and heavier watering is resumed in spring.
Growing media:
La Croix (1997) reported that plants in this genus do not grow well in containers and suggested that they be mounted on cork or rough-barked slabs. Van Ede (1990) reported that these plants grow well when mounted on slabs of cork, tree fern, or hardwood without showing a preference for any of the media used. Mounted plants need high humidity, however, and during hot, dry weather they may need several waterings a day. If growers find it difficult to keep mounted plants moist enough, they may be grown in a shallow basket using a very open, fast-draining medium that has excellent drainage, is well aerated, and allows the medium to dry rapidly after watering. Using large chunks of cork and/or charcoal in the way that vandas are grown should produce satisfactory results.
References:
This information is quoted from a Charles and Margaret Baker culture sheet, with permission from Troy Meyers
