New Sarcochilus hybrids
 

After being largely unavailable in the US for a long time, Sunset Valley Orchids (Fred Clarke) has released state of the art breeding over the last couple of years. I have splurged a bit, I had two blooming last spring, and most of the rest are just starting to come into bloom now.

These Aussie Vanda relatives want lower light and moderate to moderate/cool temperatures. In late fall/winter, reduce watering a little, and give them a bit higher light.

Here are 3 of the best ones so far. See photo tags for hybrid names. I will post more photos as they become available.

I noticed these have been suggested for Project Spring 2016.

They are beautiful! :)

They are all beautiful. I got one from Fred last year and so far it has done nothing. Still looks like it did when I got it.

They are not fastest growers, but Fred ships large plants. Most of mine are in bud, so I look forward to posting more photos in April & May.

I saw one on the sales table at our club's show today. The flowers are about the size of Ascocentrum flowers, but there are quite a few of them.

Maybe yours were bigger because you got more than one. Maybe mine was smaller because I only got one. But, then again mine was included with an order of 4 other plants, so maybe not.

Lovely Sarcochilus hybrids!

Still learning about them!:biggrin:

Several more were open today. A couple were immediately transferred to the 'For Sale' bench, but there was one that looks to be the best of all the plants blooming for the first time.

It is the same cross, as the first photo in the opening segment of this thread.

Is anybody tissue culturing Sarcochilus?

They are members of the Vanda family, so it should be possible, but I have not heard of anyone doing it here. Perhaps in Australia?

Very nice. I really like the last one, it's so dark red.

2017 update:

This pic shows a new arrival (Jan 2017), with a single spike, next to a plant from Oct 2014, which has 15 spikes this spring. So, while they are not fast growers, they are not exactly slow either.

The only Sarco I"ve grown is hartmannii, which is a little doll. Those you're showing are sublime - I'm sitting here thinking about where I could fit a few in!

The one I got last year did finally die but you have rekindled my interest in them and I may be forced to get a couple. I will probably wait for warmer weather, although I notice you got one in January, in New Jersey. I am in NY, so I am afraid of shipping in cold weather.

@gngrhill if you are coming to either NSOS or SEPOS shows, I will have.some for sale.there.

I am not familiar with either of these shows. Can you tell me what, where, and when ? We did get to the Amherst Orchid Society show two weeks ago and I came home empty handed. :biggrin:

NSOS = Nutmeg State OS, March 18-19. Show is in West Hartford, CT (The West Hartford Meeting & Conference Center, Sat noon to 5 PM, Sun 10 AM to 4 PM).

SEPOS = Southeast PA OS, March 24-26. Show is in EXPO Center in Oaks (Phoenixville), PA, which is near Valley Forge & King of Prussia.

Loads of spikes.