This site; http://mirandaorchids.com/brazilianorchidsVGA.htm allows
one to see the local habitat of various Brazilian Orchids. I live on
the Gulf Coast at about 29 degrees Lattitude so this information helps
me select plants from similiar areas in Brazil. Novo Hamburgo is at 29
degrees Lat. but at higher altitude, I have an Onc. from there.
Further, the site gives photos and descriptions of plants in the wild.
Hopefully I will learn to select and pot in a way for best results. In
most cases, the plants I want grow on bare rock outcroppings or sandy
soil, or open woodlands. Seems that orchids try to find places not good
for competing plants. They live in places with little soil and long dry
spells, AND TOTAL DIRECT SUN, but the writer suggests that grasses
moderate the sun somewhat. The more I read the more S/H seems to fit
the bill for potting. I will at some point get an appropriate rock and
affix a plant to it, I wonder how well an orchid will tolerate glue?
Epoxy may be better since it doesn't have a solvent and is waterproof.
Note that many orchids live near or on the seashore. Interesting.
Well, pardon my rambling.
Joe T Houston