Sophronitis cernua

Also known as: The Nodding Sophronitis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bahia - Brazil

General Information

The Nodding Sophronitis is a cool to warm growing epiphytic or lithophytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil.

Plant Description

Each new growth has a single leathery thick, oblong shaped leaf that grows to 1.5-3cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1-2cm

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Autumn and Winter

Blooming Season

• Autumn
• Winter

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Care Notes

These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 41mm to 137mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 74% to 81%, highest in September and lowest in July. Temperature ranges from 17C to 29C, highest in August (23C to 29C) and lowest in January (17C to 24C).

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

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. This plant is sensitive so apply fertiliser sparingly at one quarter recommended strength or less. Use a low Nitrogen fertiliser during Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.