Sophronitis cernua (Project 14 - Spring 2012)

[NatalieS]

I have mine! I was cheeky and actually ordered both the bulbo and the soph before the final results were in.

I took it off of its mount this evening. I was a little worried because there was moss covering the base and I couldn't see any of the roots. I was right to be worried - the poor little guy has hardly any roots. Pretty much only the one healthy root which has only just started growing. I took a good look and it has another root starting and possibly a new bulb, so I think it will recover.

I then 'remounted' it... in my own way. (see pics)

You can let me know what you think of this idea. In the meantime I'm on the look out for the yellow variety - which looks as though it's going to be incredibly difficult to find in Europe.

[Wynn Dee13]

Originally Posted by NatalieS

I have mine! I was cheeky and actually ordered both the bulbo and the soph before the final results were in.

I took it off of its mount this evening. I was a little worried because there was moss covering the base and I couldn't see any of the roots. I was right to be worried - the poor little guy has hardly any roots. Pretty much only the one healthy root which has only just started growing. I took a good look and it has another root starting and possibly a new bulb, so I think it will recover.

I then 'remounted' it... in my own way. (see pics)

You can let me know what you think of this idea. In the meantime I'm on the look out for the yellow variety - which looks as though it's going to be incredibly difficult to find in Europe.

I really want the aurea form too! But they are hard to find and very expensive! There is one place here in the US that offers it but it is $160! The vendor is New World Orchids. I bought one from them before with a Sophronitis coccinea var aurea both for $100 cause he said they were seedlings. I got them and they were so small, the size of my pinkie nail and the cernua var aurea was all dried up. When I opened the box the cernua's leaves had all fallen off and both plants had no roots. They were all dried up and so small there was no hope to save them. I tried but they were so far gone when I got them it was impossible. I really felt ripped off. I really should of complained but I didn't. So I haven't bought anything from them since.

Sorry about my little rant! I hope you find one over where you live. They are so beautiful! Let us know if you do.

[Leafmite]

Good! If it doesn't catch the black plague...black rot, it should be fine. I'll just hang it a little further from the window in the winter.

[camille1585]

That's what my previous one died of, but only because I left the poor thing out in pouring rain for a week! I brought in the other orchids, but didn't notice the tiny mount hanging on the wall.

[camille1585]

Where did you order yours from?
That ball is cool, but it may not be ideal for the Soph. They like to dry out quickly between waterings, so the best is for them to be mounted, second best is in a pot or netpot with a quick draining medium.

[NatalieS]

Originally Posted by camille1585

Where did you order yours from?
That ball is cool, but it may not be ideal for the Soph. They like to dry out quickly between waterings, so the best is for them to be mounted, second best is in a pot or netpot with a quick draining medium.

Grobraschener. The bulbo is brilliantly grown though - nice big plant and in great condition.

The ball is actually hollow inside, and I only placed the moss very loosely around the base and up one side. I think it will dry out pretty quickly. When it gets a little warmer I'll be keeping the window open too, which will keep the air moving.

[camille1585]

Sounds like it could work then!

[pasojanice]

NatalieS, I like that idea especially since you described how much moss you put in and how loosely it is put in there. It does look neat. I have not seen anything like that before! For a minute, I thought you had a soccer ball hanging up with one of the black portions taken out! Oh my, I must have my eyes checked!

[NatalieS]

Originally Posted by pasojanice

NatalieS, I like that idea especially since you described how much moss you put in and how loosely it is put in there. It does look neat. I have not seen anything like that before! For a minute, I thought you had a soccer ball hanging up with one of the black portions taken out! Oh my, I must have my eyes checked!

A soccer ball? LOL! Brilliant.

Thanks guys - I get these crazy ideas and sometimes I need perspective.

It's actually a lamp for a candle! I go around DIY and home-wares stores looking for potting ideas for orchids rather than getting what I'm meant to be getting.

[bballr4567]

Very neat idea.