Sophronitis cernua (Project 14 - Spring 2012)

[Rowangreen]

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

That is very interesting. I was wondering why some had rounder leaves and far fewer flowers ( max 2 ? ),

Long time ago now, but wasn't there some discussion early on of there being a different variety of cernua (forgot, but something like mineara?) that has more flowers and silvery leaves? Also difference in number of leaves per pulb? That could definitely lead to some of the differences in flower numbers (as could line breeding for more flowers in cultivated plants, and crossbreeding between varieties). Unless that variety is what has now been decided to be a separate species...

[NatalieS]

Open now.

[Paul Mc]

Interesting info, ad Natalie that looks like an interesting potting mechanism you used!

Well, one of my two new leaves opened up and there's nothing in there. Maybe the second one?!!!

[pasojanice]

Hi, Have a picture of my project with the buds and hope this comes through.
Pasojanice

[orchidsarefun]

interesting how we cultivate this........some no sphag ( me, mounted ), some in sphag and some in bark.
Mine- temps now don't go above 75f and below 64f. In Summer it was outdoors when temps went above 90f regularly, and it still bloomed. Also humidity now doesn't drop below 60%, in Summer outdoors at times I am sure it was in the 30s. And then there's the issue around the ovoid-leaved vs. the long-leaved....

[pasojanice]

Hi, goes to show that we all have our ways of "orchidism" (new word) and how we do it and it works! Love seeing everyone's interpretation of how we do things. My other Dracula just bloomed and there's another bud on it too. I am sooooooooooo excited!

[Wynn Dee13]

Originally Posted by NatalieS

Regarding the different flowering times, I happened across some fascinating information here:

Brazilian Orchids - Orchid News 20

I didn't know about little Sophronitis alagoensis, but apparently it's hard to tell apart from cernua other than the fact that it's consistently smaller.

I'm not saying that there might be some kind of mix up. I'm just intrigued that cernua is meant to flower in spring, but it flowers in autumn for many growers. It wouldn't be the first orchid to flower in a different season when grown in cultivation. I just thought it was interesting and that people who like this genus might find it equally interesting.

No, no mix up. I actually have a Sophronitis alagoensis and it looks a lot different than the cernuas I have and have ever seen. It has tiny leaves which are shaped long and skinny and tiny, tiny, skinny pbulbs. I got it at the Santa Barbara Orchid fair from one of the Brazilian sellers. I have three cernuas and the two I have had a while bloom in Febuary but my new project plant is in bud now. Someone posted that Orchid Wiz shows cernua can bloom in any month but not two of the summer months. I think it just depends on the plant and the growing conditions it has received.

Also that is a good reminder that there are two varieties of the cernua. Regular and the mineira. They grow in different locations in Brazil. I posted a link when we first started this project about the differences of the two cernuas.

[Wynn Dee13]

Oh never mind! I have Sophronitis acuensis not Sophronitis alagoensis. S. alagoensis does look a lot like cernua. I'm not sure the differences though.

[NatalieS]

Originally Posted by Paul Mc

Interesting info, ad Natalie that looks like an interesting potting mechanism you used!

Well, one of my two new leaves opened up and there's nothing in there. Maybe the second one?!!!

The 'pot' is a candle lantern. I'm hoping my plant grows all over it - eventually. In the meantime the roots seem to like weaving in and out of the holes.

I will be holding thumbs for your second growth to have buds.

[bballr4567]

Mine is currently putting out tons of roots. The smaller section that broke off when mounting is doing decent. No growth, no roots though so Im a little worried about it.

I think Im growing it too cold but I really dont have too much of a choice.