Back to Main Culture Page .....

Back To Macara Orchids ......

Sarcochilus Culture

Send me an Email.....

Macara@xtra.co.nz

These little Australian natives are found growing in mountain gullies, outcrops and gorges as both epiphytes and lithophytes and are generally exposed to cool conditions. Their roots can be frequently flooded but they have excellent drainage. They make good houseplant as they remain quite compact in their growing habit and will thrive on a shady & cool windowsill. They can have from 3 to 15 or more flowers per flower spike and many spikes per plant, & re-blooming on the same growth from year to year, as well as on new growths. Most blooms are white but sometimes pink or light yellow. Blooming season lasts from winter to spring.. Most of the species & hybrids, some of which are quite fragrant, are relatively easy to grow in cultivation. LIGHT Sarcochilus don’t require a lot of light and prefer to be grown in a generally shady cool area out of the direct sunlight. About 70% shade is ideal. TEMPERATURE The minimum temperature for most Sac’s shouldn’t be below  3oC, but they will tolerate a light frost as long as they have overhead protection and good air movement. The plants grow best with maximum temperatures less than 32 oC. When temperatures are getting near the high end of the range plants require frequent misting and drenching to prevent dehydration. WATER These plants enjoy a humidity level of around 40 – 60 %, but plants that have humidity in excess of 60% seem to grow at a faster rate and produce many more new growths and hence flowers. Watering need to regular during the warmer months & the plants will enjoy a good drenching. In general rule, Sarcochilus like moisture and do not like any long periods of dryness. However, that does not mean they like "wet feet. Be extremely careful not to over water during the colder months and always avoid standing water in the crown of the plant. These plants don’t have pseudobulbs, so they don’t have a large reservoir for storage of moisture and nutrients, it’s storage is mainly in it's leaves. Careful observation of the condition of the leaves will alert you to plant needs. Shriveled or wrinkled leaves usually indicate under watering. Cut down on watering in the autumn after new growths mature and move the plant to a brighter location to encourage the plant into flowering well for the next spring. AIR MOVEMENT Sarc’s like good air movement all year round, as it help cool them in the warmer months & help prevent rots & fungi settling when the weather is cooler. FERTILISER Regular weak feeding is the best for these plants, with a higher nitrogen type fertiliser being applied with every second watering for about six weeks after flowering has finished to promote growth then revert to a flowering type fertilizer every second or third watering for the rest of the year. During the winter months you will be watering less frequently so feeding regularity needs to reduce as well. POTTING It is best not to over pot these plants, so give them a pot that provide good open drainage, & as a potting media I use medium pine bark. This allows rapid free draining & good air movement around the roots. These plants will grow quite happily with their roots protruding aerially from the pots as long as there is good humidity available. Repotting is best done after the flowering has finished, & once the plant out grows the pot or the potting media is starting to break down.