Schoenorchis fragrans conflicting info and longevity

[Kevinator]

Hey guys, Kevin here. Today, during my trip to Andy's orchids, the person who was giving me a tour of the facility suggested for me to check out Schoenorchis fragrans. She said it would suit my dry and warm conditions very well and after seeing one in bloom, I couldn't resist to get it. Andy suggested to grow it in very bright light and water it once or twice a week (keep in mind, this orchid is mounted and was in a greenhouse with relatively low humidity). Other sources say that it needs watering every day along with phal. light. Another thing I recently heard of is that this miniature is kind of like Tolumnias: they bloom themselves to death and thus have a short lifespan. Is this true?

[Leafmite]

Ha ha, how funny! I was going to suggest these to you but I thought that since they were so small, you might not be interested in them.
No, these will last forever if you take good care of them. They are tough little orchids. I give mine enough light that the leaves are slightly reddish (they are mini-Vandas) and, as they are mounted, I water them about three times a week. I try to water early in the day and not to get water on the leaves as my conditions are a bit cool (Vandas can be susceptible to crown rot). Mine are under my lights and it gets pretty dry there but they are getting new leaves and roots.
How to tell you are watering often enough? The roots should turn green quickly. If they don't, soak the roots for a little while, until the roots turn green, and then use a fan to dry off the leaves.
I bought both of mine from Andy's. Dry and warm is perfect for them, just as you were told.

[RandomGemini]

Funny. I searched for this species, because mine isn't doing anything for me. I got it a few months ago and was told that my terrarium would be a great spot for it, and now I'm reading this and going... Wait, what? Dry and warm? Mini-vanda? More light?

Crap...

Should I pull this guy from my terrarium entirely, or just move him up closer to the lights? Temps in my terrarium hover around 70-75 degrees and humidity in there stays above 70%.

Thanks! Sorry to jump in on your thread with a ton of questions Kevinator!

[Leafmite]

People do grow these successfully in terrariums. It probably just needs more light. I actually have mine set in small storage bowls (for ease of watering) so they get a little extra humidity. Under the hot lights, they probably need it.
The big thing with these is that they are susceptible to crown rot just like any 'Vanda-type'. If the conditions are too cool and water sits on the leaves.... That is likely why the warm, dry conditions are recommended.

[RandomGemini]

I have a teeny strand of moss wrapped around the roots of mine. It's mounted on this little bitty stick. It's such a cute little plant and it's the smallest orchid I own. I've moved it up higher in the terrarium, next to the air plants. I'll see how it does there. I'd just like to see some growth. I know mine is blooming size and it was getting frustrating seeing everything in there spike for me, including my stubborn dracula lotax, and not even a new leaf or root from this little guy. Thanks for your help!!

[Leafmite]

Mine both bloomed this past summer. Both are now growing but I do not see any spikes. Maybe they bloom once a year?

[RandomGemini]

Mine went out of bloom just before I bought it. I was hoping it would bloom again this year, but I was more concerned about the fact that leaf and root growth stalled too. The plant had a new leaf and a new root when I purchased it and those both stopped growing once I got it home.

Hopefully moving it closer to the light will change that! Fingers crossed!

[Leafmite]

Good luck with it!

[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.

[Leafmite]

King, I just ordered a Schoenorchis scolopendria from Andy's. I have the fragrans growing happily and wondered how the culture of this one will differ. It looks as if I should be able to grow it under the same conditions as the fragrans.