Serapias cordigera

Also known as: The Heart or Serapias cossyrensis Serapias vomeracea f. artemisiae Serapias cordigera f. ochrantha Serapias ovalis Serapias atlantica Serapias cordigera ssp. lorenziana Serapiastrum cordigerum Serapias vomeracea ssp. artemisiae Serapias cordigera var. leucantha Serapias cordigera subvar. leucantha Serapias cordigera ssp. gentilii Serapias cordigera var. curvifolia Serapias azorica Serapias cordigera subvar. curvifolia Serapias cordigera var. cretica Serapias cordigera ssp. cossyrensis Serapias lingua var. cordigera Serapias cordigera h.v. mauretanica Serapias cordigera ssp. lucana Serapias pseudocordigera var. mauritanica Serapias cordigera ssp. cordigera Serapias cordigera ssp. azorica Serapias cordigera var. mauritanica Serapias lorenziana Serapias cordigera ssp. cretica in the subfamily: Orchidoideae

General Information

The Heart is a small to medium sized cold to cool growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Orchidoideae.

Care Notes

These orchids grow on the forest floor so are used to rich soil containing plenty of organic matter that is always moist (but not always wet), and prefer constant conditions in terms of humidity, temperature and water supply. They may not be as forgiving as epiphytes in regards to sudden changes in growing conditions so it is wise to ease them into new conditions over a the space of a few days, and repot as infrequently as possible.

Keep an eye on the plants condition regularly as they can decline suddenly if the conditions are not just right. It is more important to keep water supply constant rather than frequent - overwatering often causes rot which can quickly set in, especially in warmer conditions.

These can be grown in shady, moist areas in the garden, supplied they have protection from abrupt changes caused by the elements, e.g. dry winds, frost etc. Being grown around companion plants such as ferns and bromeliads will help build and retain the humidity they require throughout the year.

Climate

Grows at low elevations.

Potting

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.