Sarcochilus ceciliae

Also known as: Cecillia Viennot van Masseyk's Sarcochilus or Sarcochilus ceciliae ssp. roseus Sarcochilus ceciliae var. albus Sarcochilus ceciliae var. eriochilus Sarcochilus ceciliae var. roseus Sarcochilus roseus h.f. alba Sarcochilus ceciliae h.v. ceciliae Sarcochilus setosus Sarcochilus eriochilus Sarcochilus roseus Fairy Bells in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Queensland - Australia

General Information

Cecillia Viennot van Masseyk's Sarcochilus is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Australia. It is named after the Australian Orchid Enthusiast.

Plant Description

Grows to 8cm. Each new growth has numerous thick erect, rigid leaves that grow to 4-8cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2-10cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Summer and Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring
• Summer

Substrate(s)

• Sand

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 48mm to 163mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 57% to 66%, highest in September and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 6C to 26C, highest in June (17C to 26C) and lowest in January (6C to 16C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually and in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.