Sarcochilus
These wonderful little
Australian orchids have been quite difficult to obtain in U.K. until relatively
recently.
They seem to be growing in popularity and are
quite easily obtainable now at some U.K. orchid Nurseries.
The flowers of the Sarcochilus are showy and
some are fragrant. Some are pendant in habit and
therefore seem more comfortable in baskets,
others which are more upright do well in pots or pans.
Temperature: The winter minimum
is around 4 - 15 degrees C, i.e. 40 - 59 F
Water: Plenty
while growing but much less when growth is complete
Humidity:
High at all times
Light:
Moderate shade while growing
Compost: Almost any which will allow good drainage and air space around the roots, yet
allowing some moisture to remain. I used to use equal parts of small bark pieces, 'Perlite' i.e.
small polystyrene beads and sterilized, dehydrated moss which This makes a very light
mixture nd my plants had a very healthy root system. When I
received plants from a Nursery they have all been in moss and perlite. I added
the bark in the hope that the mixture would not then become soggy and I had good results. From the experience gained from growing these orchids for a number of years I have discovered that they like plenty of room at the roots so some years ago I started growing them in 'Seramis' and also Alpine Grit in pots without drainage holes. I give a quarter of the capacity of the pot in water and feed whenever needed and I use a 'Seramis' gauge (available via the Internet) to tell me when I need to water again. The indicator turns red when watering is needed. I have had multiple flower spikes growing the plants like this.
These delightful little orchids are worth a place in any orchidist's collection I feel.
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