Sobralia withneri

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

Native to: Ucayali - Peru

General Information

Withner's Sobralia is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Peru. It is named after the American Orchid Enthusiast and Author Current.

Plant Description

Grows to 39cm. Each new growth has numerous erect elliptic, lance shaped leaves that grow to 5.4-18cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3.5-39cm

Substrate(s)

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

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 114mm to 632mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 76% to 81%, highest in July and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 19C to 33C, highest in February (21C to 33C) and lowest in January (19C to 32C).

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.