Serapias orientalis

Also known as: The Sicilian Serpias or Serapias cycladum Serapias cordigera ssp. orientalis Serapias cordigera ssp. patmia Serapias orientalis var. carica Serapias orientalis ssp. cycladum Serapias orientalis ssp. dafnii Serapias orientalis ssp. feldwegiana Serapias orientalis ssp. apulica Serapias orientalis var. sennii Serapias orientalis ssp. moreana Serapias levantina ssp. feldwegiana Serapias orientalis var. monantha Serapias patmia Serapias sennii Serapias vomeracea ssp. orientalis Serapias vomeracea f. platyglottis Serapias vomeracea f. platypetala Serapias levantina ssp. dafnii Serapias orientalis ssp. levantina Serapias carica var. monantha Serapias apulica ssp. neretina Serapias apulica ssp. messapica Serapias apulica ssp. brundisina Serapias levantina var. dafnii Serapias pseudocordigera var. brachyantha Serapias orientalis var. spaethiae Serapias orientalis ssp. orientalis h.v. orientalis Serapias orientalis ssp. orientalis h.v. cordigeroides Serapias neglecta ssp. ionica Serapias vomeracea f. sennii Serapias vomeracea ssp. levantina Serapias orientalis ssp. orientalis Serapias apulica ssp. uxentina Serapias orientalis var. siciliensis Serapias carica Serapias orientalis ssp. siciliensis Serapias ionica Serapias apulica Serapias levantina Serapias feldwegiana Serapias orientalis ssp. carica in the subfamily: Orchidoideae

General Information

The Sicilian Serpias is a cool to warm 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.

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.