Sophronitis cernua (Project 14 - Spring 2012)

[Wynn Dee13]

Orchidsarefun- Even species plants will have variations. Many probably came from different parents and out of different seed pods. All our plants are grown in different places and in different environments. The way we grow the plants will have a lot to do with it too. I have three cernua plants and they all are a little different. Remember these bloom anywhere from Fall to Spring with most blooming in Winter. So every plant is going to grow a little different.

[31drew31]

Originally Posted by sithwitch

Yay! Aside from my phal. violacea, my first species blooming success! Now, watch me being extra careful to keep those buds from blasting!

And NathalieS, I got my plant late April, and I didn't have any new growths until June, but as soon as I gave it more light and put the mount in a saucer that retained some water... BAM!, 2 new bulbs poked out, with the third one playing hide and seek under the oldest leaf. So, about 3 months for my soph. no idea if it's the normal growth rate though!

Come to think of it, maybe the ungodly heat we've had scared it into growing faster! I don't think my living room went under 78 for all of July and most of August, even at night, with day averages of 84 due to my MH lamp.

Obviously this plant is very tolerant of temperatures as mine is growing with highlanders and hasn't seen above 78F with night temperatures between 50-55F every night haha.

[NatalieS]

Wow guys! That's muuuuuucccchhhh faster than mine's growing! And based on what you've all said, the issue can be narrowed down to water, light, or temperature...

So, now to solve the puzzle and get a rocket lit under these little growths! I will start with water because it's the easiest thing to adjust. I have mine mounted and I spray every morning but it's completely dry by evening. Maybe having a good soak once a week would help.

[Wynn Dee13]

My plant started two new growths but one aborted and dried up. But the pbulb that lost its new growth is trying to put out a second growth now. My other cernua plants haven't even started new growths yet! I did repot and mount a piece earlier this year so maybe that's why they are taking their time. So my three plants are all in different stages. It shows that each individual plant can be quite different. I'm not going to expect any blooms tell late winter since that is when my plant bloomed last year.

[camille1585]

Here are some 'then and now' photos of mine.

I spotted the growths around mid June, but couldn't get a good photo of such a small thing.

July 22nd


August 31st

[NatalieS]

Wow Camille! Those look like they've grown quite fast, and are still much bigger than mine.

[Rowangreen]

Just looked back, and I spotted my new growth 8th of August. It's still tiny, but probably looks a lot like Camille's first pic now: it's beginning to show a distinction between pulb and leaf: you can see a little groove down one side where the leaf is folded. Too late and dark to get a pic right now and might not have chance over the weekend.

[bballr4567]

Mine literally looks exactly like Camille's except I only have one growth.

[31drew31]

Originally Posted by Wynn Dee13

The buds don't have to be red yet. They usually are green when the leaf first opens but they are shaped like a bud and you can clearly tell they are buds. Yes time will tell. It seems kind of early to bloom too. Your plant could still grow another growth and bloom late winter.

What do we think now Wynn Dee

[Wynn Dee13]

Looks great! It looks like you are going to have lots of flowers! Great growing! It's crazy that this species has a blooming season from fall to spring. It's such a big window. I can't wait to see your flowers! Mine is far from blooming. But I will enjoy yours!