Schoenorchis fragrans conflicting info and longevity

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I don't have direct experience with Schoenorchis scolopendria, but I don't think it'll be drastically different.

Temperature tolerances might not be the same, but the watering and light level is most likely very similar.

[Leafmite]

Thanks! I was a bit concerned as Andy's did not have it marked as an easy grower but I do grow the other in that temperature range so I thought it would be worth the try.

[RandomGemini]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Ok, Leafmite, I'm going to back you up on this.



Yes, the true Schoenorchis fragrans, is an intermediate to warm growing miniature Vandaceous orchid.



Schoenorchis tixieri is the one that is temperature tolerant.



Both Schoenorchis fragrans and Schoenorchis tixieri are very similar looking. You have to look at photos of them when they are in bloom right next to each other to see the subtle differences, (looking at similar objects next to each other at the same time is actually something I picked up in psychology class, it is the best way to really see subtle differences between two different things).



Yes, Schoenorchis fragrans does do well under bright indirect light. Only seedlings can handle lower light and must eventually be acclimated to brighter light to do well.



Yes, Schoenorchis fragrans blooms only once a year.



Yes, Schoenorchis fragrans are somewhat slow growing, only putting out 2 -3 new leaves a year. The roots grow faster.



Yes, Schoenorchis fragrans are long lived. These will not bloom themselves to death, that is not possible when they only bloom once a year! While they are somewhat easy to bloom, they will not keep blooming over-and-over again.



Yes, there is no need to water the orchid too often. Their leaves are succulent and can retain moisture fairly well. Depending on how dry it is in your growing area, water accordingly. Watch for leaf curling or when the leaves do not unfurl correctly, which is a sign that there might not be enough water.







Regarding the Dracula lotax, try growing this orchid a little brighter and see if it will bloom. The leaves should not be dark green. They should be a yellow-green. If you want a more floriferous Dracula that is warmth tolerant, try Dracula sodiroi, they are almost always in bloom at one point in the year or another. They bloom upright as well. You could also try Dracula mopsus or Dracula inaequalis, both grow pendulous spikes, but are reported to be more temperature tolerant than other Draculas.

Thank you!! Excellent post! My dracula is now doing a lot better than it was. I have it only partially shaded. I was growing it in my office and it wasn't doing well as it is now in my terrarium. I think it was too warm in there and it wasn't getting enough water or humidity. I have thought about trying dracula sodiroi, but I'm concerned about the watering requirements and it's a much larger plant than dracula lotax. I haven't had the best luck with masdevallias because I forget to water them or overwater and haven't found a good balance for my conditions yet and the watering needs for draculas seem to be similar. My Lotax is doing okay in my terrarium, because I check on the terrarium daily and I am not as fussy with my potted plants.