Growing a Sharry Baby - Orchid Board

Mastiff · #1 05-10-2009, 06:34 PM

I am fascinated by the beauty (and the delicious scent) of Sharry Baby and I would like to buy one for my collection, but I am not sure that she will grow well in my home. Northen Italy summers, infact, are quite warm (32-33 °C)... do you think she will survive in this temperature?

CoolPhrog · #2 05-10-2009, 08:28 PM

Hi Mastiff

Our temps get that high (and then some) in North Florida too....

I grow mine in dappled light conditions under a large oak tree in a wire basket in large fir bark and charcol. It's been growing outside for about 4 years now and put out 7 spikes this past fall!

It gets misted (at the hottest time of the year) about three times a day (misted, not watered). I also use Pro-tekt added to my weekly fertilizer routine to help guard against high heat...

Hope this helps! Keep us posted on your success!

It's currently hanging under a large oak tree in a wire basket in large fir bark and charcol.

isdaojon · #3 05-10-2009, 08:42 PM

Well it also depends how cold it gets in winter. It will grow fine in those conditions in summer.

Blueszz · #4 05-11-2009, 05:46 AM

Hello Mastiff,
I think it will grow for you but that you need to get it indoors somewhere in fall. I've been in Northern Itally a lot (Trentino). It might like being sprayed during the hottest times of the day but I don't think you can leave that one outside all your round. Your winters are probably way too cold. They need > 14 C and up.

Mastiff · #5 05-11-2009, 07:49 AM

I was thinking to keep it indoor during most of the year, but I was afraid about our summer which sometimes are boiling hot! Happy to know that I can get away with it!

Blueszz · #6 05-11-2009, 09:52 AM

Indoors it would enjoy air movement (a fan) with occasional spraying (rainwater if you have it) when it's hot. I think they grow best in intermediate temperatures but if it can survive Florada heat, why not Italy ;-)

Mastiff · #7 05-11-2009, 10:58 AM

Ok, if hot temperature is not such a great problem, I think I can provide a comfortable home for a Sharry Baby, following all your tips! And this is a very good news because I am rapidly becaming obsessed with it!

orchidsamore · #8 05-11-2009, 11:51 AM

It is 34 centigrade today in South Florida and will get much hotter (38-40) by July and August.

I grow Sharry Baby commercially and mine are just coming into bloom now.

I consistently let them get down to 4 degrees in the winter for long periods and under zero for an hour or two.

All Oncidium like good air circulation. Insufficient water in the heat will cause the leaf tips to brown but not kill the plant.

It is my best selling Oncidium. Everyone that buys one loves it.

By the way once the flower buds form it is not necessary to keep it in higher light but can be brought inside to enjoy the scent. All orchids grow well in low light and only need higher light to set buds.