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 use equal parts of small bark pieces, 'Perlite'
i.e.
small
polystyrene beads and sterilized, dehydrated moss. This makes a very
light
mixture
and my plants have a very healthy root system (at the moment!). When
I
have
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 so far, so
good.
These delightful little
orchids are worth a place in any orchidist's collection I feel. If you would
like to read what the real Sarcochilus experts have to say
then have a look at the Australian 'Florafest Orchid Site'
click here:
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