Ascocentrum rubescens orchid

50 - 100 seeds

• Light: Ascocentrum orchids thrive in bright light, even tolerating strong, direct morning sunlight. Place them in an east-facing window or use 50-60% shade netting outdoors to avoid scorching during the hottest midday hours. Healthy leaves should be a light, bright green, sometimes with darker speckles.
• Temperature: Maintain day temperatures between 24°C to 29°C (75°F to 85°F), with a slight drop at night to 15°C to 21°C (60°F to 70°F). Protect plants from temperatures consistently above 32°C (90°F).
• Humidity: Aim for high humidity, around 60% to 70%. In a dry climate, use a humidity tray, a room humidifier, or mist the plants frequently (especially in the morning).
• Air Circulation: Excellent air circulation is crucial, especially with high humidity, to prevent fungal diseases and heat buildup. 

• Potting/Mounting: These orchids are epiphytes and their roots need air exposure. They grow exceptionally well mounted on cork bark or grown in slatted baskets (teak or plastic) with very little or no potting mix.
• Medium: If potting in a container, use a very coarse, fast-draining mix (fir bark pieces, perlite, charcoal, or coconut husk/fiber) to ensure the roots dry quickly after watering. 

• Watering: Ascocentrum require abundant water. Water thoroughly in the morning, daily or multiple times a day during very hot, dry weather. The key is that the roots must dry out rapidly after watering; they should never sit in soggy medium. The roots should look plump and green after watering, turning silvery-gray when dry and ready for the next watering.
• Fertilizing: During the active growing season (spring through autumn), feed with a balanced, water-soluble orchid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20 NPK) diluted to half or quarter strength every week or every other watering.