Read more of cultivation of Grammangis ellisii (Lindl.) Rchb.f.
Culture:
Light:
2000-3000 fc. Light should be filtered or diffused. Strong air movement should be provided at all times. Growers report that these plants will adapt to even brighter conditions, but they will burn if strong air movement is not provided.
Temperatures:
Summer days average 77-78F (25-26C), and nights average 65-66F (19C), with a diurnal range of 12F (7C). Because of the range in habitat elevation, these plants should adapt to conditions 6-8F (3-4C) warmer or cooler than indicated.
Humidity:
80-85% year-round.
Water:
Rainfall is very heavy most of the year with a somewhat drier period in spring. Plants should be watered heavily while actively growing, but drainage must be excellent and the roots should be able to dry rapidly after watering. Conditions around the roots should never become stale or soggy.
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 prefer to use a high-nitrogen fertilizer from spring to midsummer, then switch to a high-phosphate formula in late summer and autumn.
Rest period:
Winter days average 67-69F (19-21C), and nights average 56-58F (14-15C), with a diurnal range of 10-12F (6C). Growers are reminded that because of the range in habitat elevation, these plants should adapt to conditions 6-8F (3-4C) warmer or cooler than indicated. Rainfall in the habitat is somewhat lower in spring, but there is not an actual dry season. Water may be reduced somewhat in winter for cultivated plants, particularly those grown in the dark, short-day conditions common in temperate latitudes. They should never dry out completely, however. Fertilizer should be reduced or eliminated when water is reduced.
Growing media:
Plants may be grown in well-drained containers or mounted on bark slabs. Mounted plants need high humidity, however, and during hot, dry weather, they may require several waterings a day. Many growers find it difficult to keep mounted plants moist enough, so plants usually are grown in well-drained containers filled with a fast draining medium. Hillerman and Holst (1986) recommend a potting in 6-10 in. (15-25 cm) pots filled with fir bark. Many growers prefer to use a fir bark based mix with chunky perlite added to help keep the medium open and also retain some moisture. In dryer regions, chopped sphagnum moss may also be added to the mix. Charcoal when added also helps hold the medium open and keeps it from becoming sour. Plants should be repotted immediately if the medium starts to break down or once every few years if the plant outgrows its pot. Repotting done just as new roots start to grow 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
