Sedirea japnoica

[s.kallima]

Well done Bob!

[DelawareJim]

Very nice! Congratulations.

Cheers.
Jim

[Call_Me_Bob]

Thanks everyone!! This one actually isn't that large as far as leaf span goes, I've heard that these can get a lot bigger. But it does have a lot of leaves and they are pretty consistent with size. I got this one from Satomi at the SEPOS show in 2011 so I'm wondering if it might have some miniature genes in it somewhere that keep it on the small side.

Jim, are you surviving the snow?

[Miss_Cat]

Congrats on a beautiful display! Satomi has some unusual varieties well worth having. This looks like a Daruma type Sedirea which stays small and has shorter leaves than the standard kind. I had a standard type Sedirea once which took 6 years to get to flowering size and actually bloom.

[Call_Me_Bob]

Originally Posted by Miss_Cat

Congrats on a beautiful display! Satomi has some unusual varieties well worth having. This looks like a Daruma type Sedirea which stays small and has shorter leaves than the standard kind. I had a standard type Sedirea once which took 6 years to get to flowering size and actually bloom.

What's the typical leaf span for a Daruma? I know a Minmaru is super tiny. Is it possible that this is a plan from a group of seedlings that just happened to be a Daruma? Because I distinctly remember this one costing $10 instead of $20 because the $20 ones were said to keep the small leaves... But then again this was 3 years ago so my memory may be clouded.

How large was your standard Sedirea?

[MrsH530]

May I ask a newbie question? Why is the moss mounded like that? I saw that the first time at my very first orchid show in the fall, and I wasn't brave enough to ask. I'm sure there is a great reason for it

[Call_Me_Bob]

Originally Posted by MrsH530

May I ask a newbie question? Why is the moss mounded like that? I saw that the first time at my very first orchid show in the fall, and I wasn't brave enough to ask. I'm sure there is a great reason for it

Of course! Always feel free to ask questions, that's how we learn!!

The moss mound is actually hollow on the inside and these pots have a single large hole on the bottom for maximum airflow and even drying. This is a Japanese technique of growing that is specialized for Neofinetia falcata (Fukiran) and Sedirea japonica is another plant that can be grown the same way.

[Miss_Cat]

Bob,
To answer your question, my standard Sedirea grew in a deep 4" pot and was the size of a compact Phalaenopsis with over 9" in leaf span.
My Daruma Sedirea has a leaf span under 5" currently and it is growing in a 2.5" terra cotta pot with no bottom. It was described as a miniature by the vendor and probably won't grow much bigger.
I also have a Minmarushima and it is in a 2" terra cotta pot with no bottom. The leaf span is 3".
Photos attached to give you an idea.

The key to growing them for me, is to have a fairly deep pot with open bottom to allow room for their extensive root system and air movement. Also, once I figured out they preferred bright light, cool temps to set flowers, and drying between watering to grow healthy roots, they became easy to take care of. The variegated ones definitely grow slower than the green minis, and the standard Sedireas grow faster than the smaller varieties but take longer to get to blooming size.
I guess this is good to know to help with our expectations when growing this orchid genus. ;-)

Standard:


Daruma:


Minmarushima next to Daruma:

[Call_Me_Bob]

Super helpful Cat! Thanks! I definitely think mine is a Daruma then; the leaves are consistently under 4 inches.

Thanks for the pictures! I grow mine in a terracotta pot just like yours and it's in this hollow moss mound which looks like what you're doing as well!

Sounds similar to Phalaenopsis (apparently it's a Phal now) as far as the cool temperatures helping to initiate spikes.

[Miss_Cat]

You're welcome.

One detail to remember is that Sedireas seem to like much cooler temps and for a longer time than Phals.

Your plant must really love your cool bedroom windowsill. Congrats again.