Viateur questioned the conditions I recently posted for the culture of Cyrtochilum meirax. The climate conditions given were based on the average conditions at Caracas, Venezuela with a station elevation of 2760 ft. (841 m). Temperatures were adjusted to reflect probable conditions at a habitat elevation of 4900 ft. (1500 m) by using the standard atmospheric lapse rate of 10 degrees C per km. The resulting conditions were as given in my posting.
Using the climatic averages from the station at Mirida, Venezuela and adjusting them to habitat elevation produces conditions more in line with those indicated in Viateur9s posting, with summer maximum averages near 75 degrees F (25 degrees C) and winter minimums near 55 degrees F (13 degrees C). The seasonal refeferences of spring, winter, autumn, and winter are used, not to reflect when they occur in the habitat, but to provide an easy reference for growers in temperate latidudes to know when the conditions indicated by the climate data should be provided in their greenhouse or growing area. I hope this helps readers understand how my cultural suggestions are derived. Charlie _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids