Light levels approximating those for cattleyas, or 3,000 foot-candles, are best. Plants can stand short spells of higher temperatures, but air movement, humidity and shading must all be increased. Cool night temperatures seem to promote flowering. Many species flower in the summer, and putting them outside in the summer may be ideal. Most growers pot in an open medium and water frequently, especially when warm.
Dry roots lead to leaf-tip dieback, or a browning of the leaf tip.
Watering frequency can be reduced in the winter months, but these plants should never dry out completely. Most growers fertilize with a diluted concentration every week to two weeks. Plants grown in osmunda need fertilization only infrequently. Plants that rest in the winter may be repotted in the spring. The best flowerings come from large clumps of plants, so large baskets are usually used.