Read more of Cultivation of Plectrelminthus caudatus (Lindl.) Summerh.
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.
Temperatures:
Summer days average 85-86F (29-30C), and nights average 68F (20C), with a diurnal range of 17-18F (9-10C).
Humidity:
80–85% most of the year, dropping to near 75% for about 2 months in late winter and early spring.
Water:
Rainfall in the habitat is heavy most of the year, with 2–3 rather dry months in winter. Cultivated plants should be watered heavily while actively growing. Water should be reduced somewhat in late autumn.
Fertilizer:
1/4–1/2 recommended strength, applied weekly when plants are actively growing. Many growers prefer to use a balanced fertilizer throughout the year; but others 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 81-83F (27-28C), and nights average 64-66F (18-19C), with a diurnal range of 17-18F (9-10C). Growers report that plants will grow a few degrees cooler in intermediate conditions, but seem to grow better under warmer conditions. Rainfall in the region is lower in winter. In addition to the rainfall, however, moisture from heavy dew and late-night mist often is available to the plants, and this moisture is not reflected in the rainfall averages. Cultivated plants need less in winter, but they should never dry out completely or remain without water for long periods. In most growing areas, somewhat regular early-morning mistings between occasional light waterings should provide the dry rest without letting the plant become too dry. Fertilizer should be reduced or eliminated when water is reduced.
Growing media:
With its very long roots, this plant is probably best grown in a basket that is filled with a very open, fast-draining medium that has excellent drainage, is well aerated, and allows the medium to dry fairly rapidly after watering. Growers generally use medium-sized fir bark or shredded tree-fern fiber and add varying amounts of chunky perlite and/or chopped sphagnum moss to keep the medium open and retain some moisture. Including charcoal in the mix also holds the medium open and prevents souring in the pot. Repotting should be done just as new roots start to grow. This enables the plant to become reestablished in the shortest possible time.
References:
This information is quoted from a Charles and Margaret Baker culture sheet, with permission from Troy Meyers
