Sarcochilus ceciliae

[H2O Diva]

Not sure this is a discussion for this part of the forum. But I bought a sarcochilus cecilae recently on a drunken online shopping spree and in spite of my best efforts to provide it with enough moisture, the right light and temps, the leaves seem to be showing signs of stress that in a phal I would assume is too much light and not enough water.

Right now this plant has minimal media around the roots with much of the root exposed. I thought it would do well in my green house as it is supposed to do well in cool to warm temps with med to high light. But perhaps my greenhouse is getting too warm and the humidity not high enough? The more I read the more I believe it is a temperature issue.

I have recently suspended it in a vase to try to raise the humidity and have brought it into the house. It's currently in an east facing window. I think I'm going to put it outside, but not back in my greenhouse that gets up to about 90 deg F right now.

If anyone has any tips I'd love to hear them.

TIA,
Cassie

[WhiteRabbit]

Sarcochilus ceciliae grows on rocky outcrops in the mountains of northern Queensland. It has beautiful pink flowers carried on upright inflorescences, however the growth tends to be sparse and straggly, and its narrow leaves give the impression that the plant is 'on its last legs'. This is generally not the case, as it is a tenacious orchid, well adapted to surviving long dry spells. Shallow pots should be used, as S. ceciliae is basically surface-rooting. A potting mix of small rocks (scoria, sandstone, limestone) and larger bark chunks is suitable. It is essential that the roots not be covered by the potting mix when transplanting; simply place the plant on top of the potting mix and secure it with fishing line or wire pegs. Some S. ceciliae hybrids, such as S. Lois, also seem to grow better if potted in this way.

Orchid Societies Council of Victoria Inc
Looks like some good specific info here:
Sarcochilus ceciliae

[H2O Diva]

Thank you, Sonya. That gives me some hope. Though I noticed today that the little plant had lost 2 leaves since I've gotten it.

I appreciate the links.

Cassie