Sophronitis cernua (Project 14 - Spring 2012)

[Paul Mc]

What kind of fertilizer balance is everyone using? I'm using 20-20-20, but really don't see much happening. Maybe I'm just not seeing the growth,

[Mira-Claude]

Nenella!
They are lovely!!!!!
I am allergic to cats so I maxed out for my nose!

Paul!
I am solely using superthrive in low quantities 6 days a week. I tend to over feed, so I tend to avoid fertilizer!

[Wynn Dee13]

Be patient. They are slow growers. They don't bloom tell winter so the plant has a while to produce new growths. Also with such a tiny plant you might not see them yet. My other cernua bloomed in February. These bloom anywhere from fall to spring but most bloom in winter. That could be one reason why some people's plants are more ahead than others. I use MSU and fertilize when I have time. I need to more often.

[Vina]

Mira-Claude,
oooh, what a cuties: both - cernuas and kitties.

[camille1585]

As requested, here is a pic of mine, the 2 growths are slowly getting larger, and you can see some of its dozen new roots. There was a third growth that started on another bulb, but it rotted. (That'll teach me to water in the evening, I should have waited until morning, no matter how thirsty it was!)




I also added a side by side shot with my 2nd project plant, Soph mantiqueira. Identical culture, but the blooms are much larger. It's a bit over a year from blooming size. When I asked my favorite dutch grower if he had Soph cernua, he didn't have it but offered me the mantiqueira at a reduced price. I couldn't say no! It's growing like a weed, I counted 5 new growths and 6-7 new roots.



If you are wondering about the pots, they are French 'fromage blanc' pots. (It's a very fresh cheese that we eat like a yogurt). Perfect for small orchids since they're transparent and have lots of holes!

[nenella]

Wonderful growing Camille! Nice photos!
And yes I use those pots on some of my orchids they are ace!

[Rowangreen]

I like those pots! If anyone has any spare, is there a chance of sending some to the UK? LOL

[orchidsarefun]

anyone else notice that the new growths look like tiny fingernails ? I have 2 at that stage

[nenella]

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

anyone else notice that the new growths look like tiny fingernails ? I have 2 at that stage

That's Cool!
Actually watering mine today I spotted a tiny thing which could be a growth? I'm not sure but seeing I only noticed the other 2 when they were much bigger..I reckon this may be one? It may also be a has been like Camille mentioned happened to hers?
Here's a quick pic not very visible...
Is this what you mean?

[nenella]

Originally Posted by Rowangreen

I like those pots! If anyone has any spare, is there a chance of sending some to the UK? LOL

Well you never know? What size do you need? At the moment I have 4, 100g pots Tiny (which are like yoghurt pots) The "holed" transparent pot is inside the plastic one.
Here's a photo, you might find this in the UK seeing you now seem to get alot of french cheeses available... they go up to 1Kg pots! which I use on my bellina & equestris for the moment.