Looking for information: Sarcoglottis sceptrodes

[cnarciso]

Hello All,

I just bought this plant today while I was expanding my jewel orchid collection at a local vendor. It was not really on my list and kind of an impulse buy, but the metallic foliage just drew me in. When I got home I decided to do a little research and am surprised by the apparent lack of general information about this plant/genus. I know basically how to grow it and what medium to use; it should do fine in my home-brew general terrestrial mix (1 part orchid bark, 1 part potting soil, 2 parts shredded peat moss). There is however no background info, for instance, what part of the world it is from, when is the natural flowering season, or dormancy requirements? I like to know the back story of all plants in my collection as I feel it helps in culturing them. Can anyone tell me some more general information about this plant or genus?

The vendor I got it from told me only 2 things,

1. Apparently it will get fairly large

2. It will naturally drop it's leaves after flowering for a rest period (he was unspecific as to how long this rest period was to last, so if anyone could tell me this as well, I would appreciate it).

[buckie]

IOSPE PHOTOS

This is what I found, not much...hope it helps.

Warren

[cb977]

Hi

I have one of these planted in a net basket with good quality sphag. It hangs on the lowest level of the rack it's on so the light is rather low.

I don't "rest" this one...it does loose it's oldest round of leaves each spring when the newer leaves start forming but it has never lost all it's leaves in the 3 years or so that I have it.

Hope this helps...cool chid It's beautiful for it's foliage and while the bloom itself is nothing spectacular, I like it...I call this one the alien

[cnarciso]

Thanks guys! Every little bit helps. Good to know that it doesn't need to be rested. Cool flowers too, so unusual!