Sobralia callosa

Also known as: The Callousy Sobralia or Lindsayella amabilis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Panama

General Information

The Callousy Sobralia is a warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Panama.

Plant Description

Grows to 40cm. Each new growth has numerous erect elliptic, lance shaped leaves that grow to 0.3-10.5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.3-38cm

Substrate(s)

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

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 10mm to 480mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 67% to 90%, highest in October and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 16C to 31C, highest in March (19C to 31C) and lowest in January (16C to 27C).

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.

Potting

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