Sobralia macrantha

Also known as: The Large or Sobralia macrantha f. alba Sobralia macrantha var. purpurea Sobralia macrantha var. macrantha Sobralia macrantha h.v. splendens Sobralia macrantha var. kienastiana Sobralia macrantha h.v. nana Sobralia macrantha var. alba in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Belize Chiapas - Mexico El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Oaxaca - Mexico Puebla - Mexico

General Information

The Large is a sympodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Belize, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 45-210cm. Each new growth has numerous erect rigid, lance shaped leaves that grow to 2-30cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.6-210cm

Flowers

Numerous short lasting, fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is most fragrant during the daytime.

Substrate(s)

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

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

These orchids grow in cool climates, at low altitudes, in cool plains, forests or coastal scrub.

They are forgiving of humidity variances as long as temperatures are kept on the cool side. They can do well outdoors in the garden in cool and temperate areas, though it is important that they are protected from warm dry winds. They can enjoy morning sun especially in winter but will need protection from the hot sun in the afternoon and during summer. With some acclimatisation they may be able to receive more sun.

 

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 46mm to 335mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 78% to 83%, highest in June and lowest in October. Temperature ranges from 18C to 29C, highest in August (22C to 29C) and lowest in January (18C to 26C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

Fertiliser

dormant-medium-demand-orchid 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.