Sophronitis cernua

[PaphLover]

Gorgeous!!!!!!

[NatalieS]

Thanks everyone!

For those interested, it is mounted on the side of a ceramic candle holder/lantern! It has a metal loop which I hang on a bracket right by a north east window, and I hang it outside on the south east facing balcony in the summer. The roots have grown through and around the holes, and I have some moss padded against the back of the roots on the inside of the holder so it doesn't dry out too quickly. If you google 'ceramic candle holder' you'll see loads of similar ones.

Culture is pretty simple - I let it dry out between watering and keep it in a bright spot during summer (it doesn't seem to mind the dull days/north east window in winter). It can take a small amount of full sun, but as you can see, the leaves will burn pretty badly if it doesn't get some shelter during the hot parts of the day. Temps range from 22-24C average during the day in summer, and around 19-21C when I bring it in in winter. Nights are cool here pretty much all year.

[jkofferdahl]

There's another thread for this same plant where I mistakenly blamed posters there for my ordering two of this species. In fact, it's YOUR fault. What a beauty this one is!

[NatalieS]

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

There's another thread for this same plant where I mistakenly blamed posters there for my ordering two of this species. In fact, it's YOUR fault. What a beauty this one is!

Lol. I will gladly take all the blame!

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by NatalieS

Lol. I will gladly take all the blame!

Honestly, when I first saw your post I knew that this plant was in my future. I've decided to set up a new area just for true miniatures and this one seems like an absolutely essential addition! I only hope that mine will bloom even half as well as yours!!

[NatalieS]

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

Honestly, when I first saw your post I knew that this plant was in my future. I've decided to set up a new area just for true miniatures and this one seems like an absolutely essential addition! I only hope that mine will bloom even half as well as yours!!

I hope it grows well for you! It is such a rewarding little plant.

I don't know about other people's experiences growing this, but mine puts out new roots in spring, and starts new growths only when it's already well into summer - quite different to the usual bulb first, roots second habit of my other orchids. It does seem like it takes forever for those growths to mature, but it's nice to be rewarded with some bright colour in the middle of winter.