I’m attempting to grow two Cyp. species of temperate slipper orchids in a double pot method. Cyp. Kentuckyiense Cyp. Californicum I’m hoping that evaporative cooling and watering with wicks that bring water right up under the roots can simulate environments where they will thrive. I’ve heard with these orchids, cool root systems solve many problems. I’ve not grown them before as I figured my climate was not conducive. So with my extra time this past year to research a new project this is what I came up with. It seems that many of the people in our group also raise orchids so I thought it an off topic, topic of interest.My IR pistol thermometer and a slight Santa Ana wind yesterday produced an 8 degree lower temp on the inner pot surface vs the outer pot. The growing media was also about 4 degrees cooler if I averaged the 5 readings and places I read the temps. Soil moisture readings are coming once my new meter arrives . They get bright indirect sun and have a great breeze most everyday. I’m about 1.5 miles from the bay so I’m moderated from heat extremes. The close up is of Cyp. Californicum. The number if growth tips suggests that this plant is likely 10-12?years old. The Cyp. Kentuckyiense has 2 growth tips. In the fall I’ll unpot and add new growing media and evaluate how they did during the growing season. If anyone in the group has attempted this growing method for temperate slipper orchids I’d enjoying hearing about your experience. I probably should have tried hybrids but really wanted the Kentuckyiense and I am not aware of any hybrids that have Californicum as a parent. Have a great Monday Mike Sunset Zone 23 _______________________________________________ pbs mailing list pbs@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net http://lists.pacificbulbsociety.net/cgi-bin/… Unsubscribe: <mailto:pbs-unsubscribe@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net>