Sievekingia suavis

Also known as: The Soft Sievekingia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Nicaragua Panama

General Information

The Soft Sievekingia is a small warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Nicaragua and Panama.

Plant Description

Each new growth has a single leathery erect, elliptic, lance shaped leaf that grows to 1.5-25cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.8-4cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Substrate(s)

• Bark
• Charcoal
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss

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 to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 71mm to 180mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 82% to 94%, highest in May and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 20C to 29C, highest in June (23C to 29C) and lowest in January (20C to 28C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

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.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant.

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,

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots Repotting is best done annually.