Sarcochilus

[Shirley]

Sarcochilus never seem to do well for me but I'm trying once again with a Fitzheart X Sweetheart. I've always thought of them as cool growing with that being the reason why they struggle in my warm conditions. Are they really supposed to like the same temperatures as Phals? Then I must be doing something else wrong! Can someone please shed some light on this?

[quiltergal]

Shirley I also read on a website somewhere that they were cool growers which is why I haven't tried one yet. They sure are sweet looking! I'd love to have one but don't want to kill the poor thing.

[taipan]

Both Sarc.hartmannii & S.fitzgeraldii are found in shaded humid area's - both grow lithophytically on boulders with moss surrounding their roots. They require good air movement. I have seen both species growing in their natural habitat S.hart. was growing near a waterfall & one could feel the water spray & the breeze carrying it.
S.fitzgeraldii was growing on boulders in temperate wet forest with cool humid breeze coming through the trees. The area was moist as there were leeches around - one had to have a small bag of salt to put on them.
What sort of potting mix are you using ? most Aust.growers incorporate some rocks or broken brick to allow for drainage.

[Andrew]

I'd be surprised if Sarcochilus will perform well long term in Phal temperatures. The species that make up the bulk of Sarc hybrids grow in highland subtropical to lowland warm temperate areas. They do experience high temperatures in summer but winters are generally cool and most of the growth occurs during the cooler seasons. They're best considered cool growing to intermediate tolerant plants.

[jkofferdahl]

Taipan, mine is in a mix of lava with some crocking in the bottom of the pot for drainage. I have a little bit of sphagnum draped over the top of the pot to hold moisture. There's at least one fan blowing 24/7 on my orchid stand, with a second for bottom draft while lights are on. The temperatures for my stand are somewhere in the intermediate to warm range, though never really cool. My light conditions are the biggest concern, but I think it'll be OK. Time will tell!

Thank you everyone for the great input!

[epiphyte78]

Many of the more commonly grown Sarcochilus experience average minimum temperatures lower than 45F in winter...so I would say that they can handle, and perhaps prefer, temperatures lower than phals.

For more detailed information check out the Sarcochilus culture sheets on the orchid culture website.

[Shirley]

Thanks for the suggestions, Everyone. Mine is potted in a mix of fine bark, charcoal, and perlite with some lava rock at the bottom for drainage. Our weather is quite hot at present and the plant is looking stressed. Perhaps closer to the fan would help. Keeping my fingers crossed!

[Grandma M]

Go to Santa Barbara Orchids web site. They have a good 'Growing Guide for Sarchchilus'. I found that very helpful.

Marilyn

[Dorothy]

Santa Barbara Orchid Estate on Sarcos - Sarcochilus
Care sheet - Growing Guides from Santa Barbara Orchid Estate

[Ross]

Originally Posted by taipan

Both Sarc.hartmannii & S.fitzgeraldii are found in shaded humid area's - both grow lithophytically on boulders with moss surrounding their roots. They require good air movement. I have seen both species growing in their natural habitat S.hart. was growing near a waterfall & one could feel the water spray & the breeze carrying it.
S.fitzgeraldii was growing on boulders in temperate wet forest with cool humid breeze coming through the trees. The area was moist as there were leeches around - one had to have a small bag of salt to put on them.
What sort of potting mix are you using ? most Aust.growers incorporate some rocks or broken brick to allow for drainage.

My S.fitzgeraldii is in the lower section of my orchidarium with 99% humidity, low light and frequent waterings and fertilizer. Does really well for me.