Northiana culture

[paphioboy]

Hi guys..

I will be getting a nep northiana soon (courtesy of penangtan), so I would like to find out the best way to grow this wonderful species. I note that many of you guys say that northiana has a reputation for being difficult to grow. Why is this so..? Do they rot or are they prone to pests..? As far as I know, I think there shouldn't be a problem as northiana is a naturally (fairly) lowland species that grows on limestone. So the addition of limestone and excellent drainage should keep it happy. Or maybe its because its naturally slow growing... Any thoughts..? Thx..

[kentosaurs]

Well i have 0 experience and might probally give totally wrong tips but i'll give it a try hjehehehe.............

I guess northiana needs more of a shaded conditions first of all....And i don't think its that prone to dying..More like very slow growing?Addition of limestone like you said will definitly be usefull.....

Ken

[paphioboy]

Ken, I don't think northiana likes being grown shady.. I hust Googled it and its said that it won't grow and pitcher well in shade. Most plants in the wild grow in nearly full sun. But I don't understand why even slight movement can also kill it..!! So choosy plant..

[Aliamyz]

According to Robert,northiana his northiana didn't show any sign of stress after repotting his northiana.The plant seems to pitcher well for him without going stress!

[Robert]

northiana prefered bright warm environment, partial shade but not completely. Don't injure the roots when repotting. It dislikes a compact media therefore provide a very well drain ones with mixed of perlite 60% and the rest either cocopeat,sphagnum moss, etc. 100% Coarse clay or burnt type from nurseries worked fine for northiana.

[Noobplant]

i grow mine in full,direct,burning sun. and its growing really fast. it did not produce a single leaf when i grew it in shade(after having its growing tip ripped by rats).
its now outgrown its pot and stopped pitchering because there is no place for it to rest its tendrilz

[edwardyeeks]

Northiana can be a slow grower and they hate to be moved around frequently. Some shading from full sun is required if you wanna grow your northiana under full sun.

Where do you get limestone??

Cheers

[paphioboy]

Thanks for the advice.. Oh, good.. penangtan said he's getting the plants from Robert.. So, I think I will grow it hanging in a bright place with my orchids as the bottom of my orchid rack is quite moist. So let the tendrils hang out of the pot.. edward, I get limestone from tropical fish shops...

[isaacgoh]

Good luck on growing your Northy.

It took me a long time to find the right place for mine. Like what Robert shade, it does like to be in full direct hot full, but prerably only gets the morning direct sun.

My balcony gets direct morning sun until about noon, My northy is just right by the ledge of the balcony. I'm using coarse red burnt earth and it has been growing without a need to repot. I water daily.

[paphioboy]

Thanks for the advice.. What I'm worried about now is whether it will establish to my growing conditions nicely, because I will be receiving it bareroot.. And as you guys said northiana resents disturbance so much... Any tips on minimising stress after potting?