Sarcochilus hirticalcar

Also known as: The Hairy or The Harlequin Orchid in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Queensland - Australia

General Information

The Hairy is a miniature monopodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Australia.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 3cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 0.8-12cm long. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

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. 

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 188mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Temperature ranges from 17C to 27C, highest in June (23C to 27C) and lowest in December (17C to 22C).

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 very well in baskets or suspended pots 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.