Sophronitis cernua (Project 14 - Spring 2012)

[31drew31]

Originally Posted by 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.

What are the temperatures? I have been growing mine 70-75F day and 47-52F nights.

[bballr4567]

Its been down to around 56F nights and 76-78F days.


I just havent seen any growth really. It has produced one new leaf that had no flowers. Not sure what is up with it. Its cute looking with it being so tiny but it certainly doesnt like what Ive been doing. If the next leaf doesnt have any buds I'll probably take it off the mount and repot it.

[31drew31]

Don't think temperatures are the problem, they sound fine. My warmest nights, even in the summer were always below 56F.

One thing to note, is I grow mine about 12" away from 6 HOT5's. Maybe stronger light is needed for your plant? Mine also only put out one new leaf.

[bballr4567]

Mine spent the most part of the summer around 10" from my one T5. It actually turned a bright purple.

Just surprising that some are vigorous growers and others are slow.

[camille1585]

I wouldn't be so quick to take it off the mount! These plants don't necessarily bloom at the end of the year, they can also bloom early next year. At the very least give it another year, while it settles in on the mount. As to the lack of roots/growth on the smaller piece, is it a cluster of older bulbs? If so, I don't think it will do much until the next growth season.

These aren't very quick growers either, so 2 new leaves sounds about right.

[bballr4567]

Its just going into its second growth cycle for me. The first was hampered by the so-so quality of the plant and the fact it fell apart when mounting. The smaller part hasnt done nothing. Zip. It just hasnt died. lol

The larger one produced a good sized leaf with zero flowers. Im hoping that it'll produce flowers this time.

[Rowangreen]

Don't give up on it. Remember me and Camille haven't got flowers either, so you are not the only one!

[bballr4567]

Not giving up on it. Just wondering what its thinking.

[camille1585]

It's probably thinking 'winter, yuck!!' lol. Growth has slowed to a barely noticable crawl on mine, though the Soph mantiqueirae sitting right next to it is still happily growing, and putting out it's 5th growth in 6 months! And that plant is still young, about 2 years from blooming. I got both Sophs within weeks of each other, so it's not like one is more settled in than the other.

[camille1585]

Well, I have to take back what I said! Just checked on the cernua, and one of the 2 growths that just matured is starting a growth of its own! That was NOT there last time I checked the plant over, maybe 10 days ago. Fingers crossed that this new growth will finally be blooming size.

But I've noticed that all my windowsill orchids are growing better than they usually do in winter, and discovered why not long ago. The sill is actually wood, and right underneath is the radiator, streching the full length of the window. When it's on and you put your hand on the sill, you can feel the warmth coming through! I have a giant heat mat, lol.