Sophronitis cernua (Project 14 - Spring 2012)

[Daenerys]

Really cool to see what the seed pods look like. Anyone know of crosses that have C. cernua in their lineage? I wonder what traits it contributes when hybridized.

[Paul Mc]

BTW everyone, I was told that these only grow roots during one season (which one wasn't disclosed) so if you kiss the opportunity for root growth in the unsaid season then you've missed it all together... Not sure how that translates to growing it yet, but I'm afraid ill eventually find out, lol...

[camille1585]

From what I've seen with my previous cernua, yes, they only grow roots once in the year, just when the new growths are starting. I never saw any news ones the rest of the year!

[Rowangreen]

Eek. Have to hope mine has enough to last. So far some back growth has died off, but the main leaves and bulbs look plump so I think it has.

The little root that started on the new growth stopped as soon as I first mentioned it. I thought briefly saw a growth tip again after re-potting... but maybe not. Still keeping fingers crossed.

[orchidsarefun]

Originally Posted by Daenerys

Really cool to see what the seed pods look like. Anyone know of crosses that have C. cernua in their lineage? I wonder what traits it contributes when hybridized.

according to OrchidWiz there's a total of 74 registered progeny. First primary cross was registered in 1913 and there is another in 2012.
I believe that colour, size and shape are contributed, judging from the photos of offspring. I know when I tried my ( failed ) crosses, I chose other mini-catts with a contrasting lip, hoping that I would get a reddish catt with a contrasting lip.

[Daenerys]

I've been getting root growth on mine throughout. There was a burst of roots just before the first growths appeared, which subsided while that grew and flowered. While the flower bud was developing a bunch of new roots started up again. So definitely not a 'once a year' thing for me.

[31drew31]

Thanks orchidsarefun! I pollinated all 8 flowers that were still open. Had no problems removing the antler cap and pollinia, and think I stuck them in the right spot haha. I believe I found the stigma because it was very sticky and had no problems getting the pollinia to stick. I guess time will tell if I did it right or not! I used a toothpick and removed the pollinia from 2 flowers at once on opposite ends of the toothpick, then place the pollinia in the opposite flower.

Thanks again for the explanation.

I still have new roots coming from the bulb that grew this summer and others that were produced earlier are still growing strong.

[orchidsarefun]

GL...you should know by the end of the weekend at the latest whether you were successful as flowers will drop pretty quickly if not.

[FairyInTheFlowers]

Originally Posted by 31drew31

Thanks orchidsarefun! I pollinated all 8 flowers that were still open. Had no problems removing the antler cap and pollinia, and think I stuck them in the right spot haha. I believe I found the stigma because it was very sticky and had no problems getting the pollinia to stick. I guess time will tell if I did it right or not! I used a toothpick and removed the pollinia from 2 flowers at once on opposite ends of the toothpick, then place the pollinia in the opposite flower.

Thanks again for the explanation.

I still have new roots coming from the bulb that grew this summer and others that were produced earlier are still growing strong.

This sounds pretty exciting!!!! Did you pollinate the flowers with pollen just from the Soph. cernua?

[Daenerys]

My flower wilted today, after blooming for 17 days. I'm now waiting for signs of new growths.