Project 2023 Spring Sarcochilus

[estación seca]

Mr. Barrie from Australia told our orchid society theirs experience winter overnight lows in the shade house with lath roof to 0 or -2C / 30-28 F, and summer highs up to 40C / 104 F. They water and fertilize every day all year.

[Roberta]

When these (or any orchid) are going to get this extreme temperature range (which they tolerate very well) it's important for them to acclimate. So grow them outside now, and don't consider bringing them inside until hard frost is a danger for those in regions that have those. No growing them in a grow tent or house or greenhouse and then putting them out when it gets cold thinking that you'll jolt them into the bloom cycle. Now is the perfect time to put your new acquisitions outside, and then just leave them there until the snow flies. And back outside in early spring if they do need to be brought in during the coldest winter months. For those who live in areas where hard frost isn't an issue, leave them out. They don't need - or want- to be pampered. They may be little but they're tough.

[estación seca]

I've been repeating the advice to water frequently. That's why I couldn't keep them alive. Weekly is most certainly not enough in my conditions.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I've been repeating the advice to water frequently. That's why I couldn't keep them alive. Weekly is most certainly not enough in my conditions.

Totally! Remember, these are in the Vanda family. Note from WaterWitchin's photo of the plants from SVO - in chunky medium. Especially when it is warm, you can't over-water them in medium like that. Maybe cut back water frequency a little when it gets cold, but still keep them hydrated.

[Keysguy]

Are you guys telling me this is going to one of those plants that will grow great but probably not bloom for me unless I put it in the fridge overnight?

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Keysguy

Are you guys telling me this is going to one of those plants that will grow great but probably not bloom for me unless I put it in the fridge overnight?

You do get the occasional cold snap, that may be sufficient. It can tolerate really cold temperatures, but don't think it requires them. If you get some winter nights into the 50's F that may be sufficient.

[Keysguy]

I think we had 1 night in late January but I can't remember.

I'm sorry, was that being snotty?

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Keysguy

I think we had 1 night in late January but I can't remember.

I'm sorry, was that being snotty?

Only a little... maybe take it with you to New Hampshire, scare it a little...

[estación seca]

They're small enough to take to New Hampshire.

[WaterWitchin]

Sarco Takes a Road Trip