I grew my last BIG one that had over 10 spikes in constant bloom for over 10 years, hanging from a plumeria tree,in a cedar basket. In the summer, it would be in dabbled light all day. Can't do much about the heat here in south Fla. but it grew great, it developed the mottled/striped leaves in a short time. This one is all green and is a yonug plant with 2 spikes. IF I am going to get it use to living in the plumeria tree..now is the time, it is currently defoliated, then in like March it will get its blooms and then the leaves appear, and it gets dappled light and anything hanging from it gets protection from direct sun. Like I said, I cant do anything about the heat. So hanging from the tree, it gets all the air circulation it can take. I saw that picture of the plant in the window. Here in Fla. we dont have the luck to have the room to put a piece of furniture in a window for an orchid like this. At least not in my little home. All my window ledges are very thin, and are full of african violets, all 4 exposures, I rotate them to either grow, or bloom. No room for a big orchid like this. With the long spikes,and wide flat leaves. So it has to go outside. So...will hanging it from the plumeria tree, which is totally bald now, and then puts out its flower spikes in about a month, then puts out it's leaves till Oct. protecting the orchids that are hanging from. Mainly Ryhs. Giganteas, and Cattleys varieties. It seems other here also have had the bad luck of their psychopsis just up and die on them for no reason. My last one just up and died one day, two years ago,after 10 years in the same cedar basket and growing and blooming like crazy in that tree. No reason why. So...any other southerners growing outside? and can give hints to keep it growing and not end up rotting and dying practically overnight?

Just in case you care.....you can collect the pollen from one plant by tipping the influorescence upside down (assuming it is not potted) and tap it rather hard on the back of the spathe over a piece of paper to collect the pollen once you see it being extruded. Store this in the refrigerator until the next one blooms.....once it begins to smell it is receptive for pollen from a donor.....put the pollen from the fridge back on a piece of paper and gently blow it into the spathe of the hopeful momma....then wait to see if you get berries.....I have done this for other Amorphs just to pollinate from one clone to another of the same species....I then threw the berries away because I had no interest in them other than a nice pic, but the point is you can store the pollen in a fridge for a month and then use it on another plant if you want to see if you can hybridize in the future :o) Dan

Well, well, well. Here was I today putting in my brugs on the first hot day we've had for eons. Wouldn't you know it, I must have wiped my right eye. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me, thinking maybe I had a heat stroke or something, but then I remembered this posting by davidlee. I went indoors and immediately drank a lot of water, and had a lukewarm bath after first scrubbing my hands and arms well. One eye had the pupil almost entirely dilated, while the other was normally small, considering it is so bright outside. Three hours later, it is still in this state, and I am wondering how I am to read my speach which I am supposed to give tonight at 7:30. I guess I will have to wing it. A new respect, indeed. Brug lovers ( myself included) take heed. Wash well after touching them

Congrats to you indigo!!! I am so happy to hear of your successes after so many trials early on! Do keep us posted. I have had one nest of Carolina Chickadees and one nest of Bluebirds to fledge already. My Bluebirds have built again, choosing a different house, and they now have eggs. :o) ~~Angie