Sobralia andreae

Also known as: Andrea's Sobralia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Cundinamarca - Colombia Departamento del Huila - Colombia

General Information

Andrea's Sobralia is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia. The name refers to Andrea Nissen Nurserywoman in Cali Colombia Discoverer of species current.

Plant Description

Grows to 0.3-36cm. Each new growth has numerous elliptic lance shaped, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 2.2-14cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 30-36cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite
• Sand

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 33mm to 180mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 59% to 69%, highest in November and lowest in July. Temperature ranges from 21C to 30C, highest in July (22C to 30C) and lowest in October (21C 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 during Spring.

Potting

Repotting is best done annually and in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.