Sophronitis cernua Blooming

[frank_in_la]

So very cute. Flower is about 3/4 inch.

[SouthPark]

Cute leaves too hehe

[Roberta]

I love the contrast between the purple pollinia and the orange flowers. Frank, we do live in a good area for growing these little guys. Sophronitis season is starting!

[rbarata]

Do you grow it indoors or outside?
And what about min temps?
Two yrs ago I almost got one but then some doubts appeared.
Beautiful flowers!

[Roberta]

S. cernuea has a reputation of being a little warmer-growing than the rest of the Sophronitis. I can get away with growing it outside... it does quite well. My climate, being coastal, is pretty mild.. occasional minimum temps near freezing but most winter nights stay above low 40's F (4-7 deg C). Days are warmer - 65-low 70's F, 18-22 deg C so that probably compensates for the cool nights. The OP will have to comment on his conditions... the Los Angeles area is really big, with many micro-climates.

I have S. brevipedunculata in bloom along with S. cernua, S. coccinea will be in a few weeks or maybe a month. But if you a looking for a Sophronitis that doesn't need (or particularly want) low temperatures, S. cernua is a good choice.

[rbarata]

...occasional minimum temps near freezing but most winter nights stay above low 40's F (4-7 deg C). Days are warmer - 65-low 70's F, 18-22 deg C so that probably compensates for the cool nights.

It is similar to the climate around here...probably drier as I'm 100 km from the ocean.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by rbarata

It is similar to the climate around here...probably drier as I'm 100 km from the ocean.

"Dry" can be cured with a hose or sprayer. (RH right now is 25%. Mounted plants just got an extra bath)

A friend who lives just a bit south of me, who is a superb backyard orchid grower, summarizes the process... '"From what nature provides, just add water and subtract sunlight"

[frank_in_la]

Thank you. I'm far from ocean in LA. I live at the foothill of San Gabriel mountain. Winter can be cold but usually above freezing. It needs 40°F min. to 95°F, watering 2-3 times a week when slightly dried up. For this little baby, I had it for only 2 months. It was raised outdoor and I'll keep it that way. I have to keep a closer eye on it for hot summer. We will see.
I have another Sophronitis Mantiqueira also mounted on board. I don't see the bud yet. Not sure if it will bloom this season.

[rbarata]

Do you keep it slight moist under those low temps?
And what about winter light? Sunny or bright shade?

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by frank_in_la

Thank you. I'm far from ocean in LA. I live at the foothill of San Gabriel mountain. Winter can be cold but usually above freezing. It needs 40°F min. to 95°F, watering 2-3 times a week when slightly dried up. For this little baby, I had it for only 2 months. It was raised outdoor and I'll keep it that way. I have to keep a closer eye on it for hot summer. We will see.
I have another Sophronitis Mantiqueira also mounted on board. I don't see the bud yet. Not sure if it will bloom this season.

There may be a few nights when you will want to bring it in. One consideration when you are pushing the low-temperature limits on a plant.. if it is going to be cold, keep it dry. A dry orchid can tolerate a lot more cold than a wet one. (In general, if it rains during the night the cloud cover will keep the temperatures up out of the danger zone...once in awhile there is clearing during the night right after a rain... in that case, if plants are wet, protect them even if it is just throwing a tarpaulin over them will help by reflecting heat from the ground or adjacent walls)