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| Hi, I am new to this particular forum, usually post in Florida gardening. I have been investigating Sobralia orchids and wondered if anyone has tried growing them especially in Florida. They seem to be grown by some Caifornia gardeners, and i finally found some in California. I ordered a S. macrantha alba x sib, they are known to be rather large orchids that are mostly terrestrial and habitat is in Mexico, Peru, Panama and Ecuador. I wondered why is was not grown and or available in Florida, are our growing conditions not quite right? |
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| Sobralia macrantha is considered a "cool growing" species, which is why it's suitable for coastal California along with Cymbidiums. Here in California, I grow them under 60% shade (I live near the coast) with average daytime temps in the mid 70s to 80s in the summer. Night temps are in the low 50s in the winter and upper 50s to low 60s summer. Other "cool" sobralias include leucoxantha, mirabilis, Veitchii, xantholeuca and caloglossa. Macrantha can tolerate winter chill down to about 37 degrees F. Warm growing sobralias (more suited to tropical, humid conditions) include: Sobralia bicolor, callosa, elegans, fimbriata, fragrans, powellii, and rosea. Sobralias are terrestrial (so use a terrestrial type mix) and keep evenly watered. Needs good air circulation. Possible reason why macrantha is not grown in South Florida is because it is a bit too hot. Same goes for its cooler kin. You may want to try the warmer growing species. Or try macrantha as long as its "feet" are cool and moist. Give it some shade (in a shade house). If you have a greenhouse, then grow in a cool house along with paphs. |
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- Posted by morningloree 9b (My Page) on Sun, Mar 3, 13 at 17:40
| Hi, Thank you for the reply. I live a little north of Orlando and winters for us sound like yours except in January and maybe first few weeks of February we have nights in the 40's and even some nights at 35 degrees. I have the terrestrial mix and planned to place it under an oak tree that gets a small amount of morning sun. In that area I have Phaius that are successfully growing there. For some reason in Florida, Vandas, Cattlelayas, and Phals are the most popular, but for gardeners in upper 9b and 9a a cooler growing orchid should thrive. You guys in California are so lucky to have access to a variety of orchids. |
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I have grown orchids for a long time and have never seen one at an orchid show or meeting. You have to wonder why such a gorgeous orchid is not widely grown, perhaps short lasting flowers is the reason.  Sobralia xantholeuca |
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- Posted by morningloree 9b (My Page) on Tue, Mar 5, 13 at 20:26
| I ordered one and will let you guys know how well it does. Yes short life of flower is a bummer! |
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