Sarcochilus hillii

Also known as: Hill's Sarcochilus or Sarcochilus hillii var. thycola Sarcochilus loganii Sarcochilus hillii h.f. albus Sarcochilus hillii var. thycolus Sarcochilus hillii var. hillii Sarcochilus minutiflos Myrtle Bells in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: New Caledonia Queensland - Australia

General Information

Hill's Sarcochilus is a miniature monopodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to New Caledonia and Australia. It is named after the Australian Botanic Gardens Director in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 0.1cm. Each new growth has numerous thick leaves that grow to 0.3-10cm long. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 122mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 59% to 80%, highest in December and lowest in May. Temperature ranges from 2C to 28C, highest in July (15C to 28C) and lowest in January (2C to 16C).

Watering

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

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.