Sobralia virginalis

Also known as: The Virgin Sobralia or Sobralia virginalis var. lilacina in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Antioquia - Colombia Departamento del Huila - Colombia

General Information

The Virgin Sobralia is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia. The name refers to the white flower.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves

Flowers

Numerous short lasting blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

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

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 64mm to 196mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 69% to 77%, highest in October and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 13C to 27C, highest in March (14C to 27C) and lowest in June (13C to 25C).

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.