Phalaenopsis amabilis grows in north Queensland where it is more tropical than we are. In my area we have quite a few Sarcochilus and othe Sarcochilus relatives. One of my favourites is Sarcochilus hartmannii. These tough plants grow on exposed rocky situations in the mountains just below 1000 metres altitude (generally around 800 metres) and can tolerate extremes of heat and cold but always has good air movement. They are not very common and hard to find. We also have Sarcochilus falcatus in abundance in this area. It is a cooler grower that grows in the mountainous areas often on the tops of ridges on rainforest trees where there is plenty of fresh moist air. Other species around here are Sarcochilus hillii, Sarcochilus olivaceous and Sarcochilus fitzgeraldii (also rare). Sarcochilus fitzgeraldii grows on moss covered boulders near rainforest streams in the mountains with its roots spreading over the surface. It likes cool shady conditions with good air movement. The southern tangle root orchid Plectorrhiza tridentata also grows near where i live. The plant is similar to the northern species but flowers quite different in shape.

If anyone wants to know any more info on these species feel free to ask and i will tell you what i know :)

peace and happy growing to all

OK, I'll bite! :biggrin:

How do I get Sarcochilus fitzgeraldii to bloom? It grows lots of new growths and is doing very well as a green plant, but notta on the flowers. Are there some triggers for blooming? :hmm

Just curious what kind of conditions do you have it under? how much shade? do you fertilise it regularly? sometimes plants in too much shade don't flower. I have seen this in nature. They grow well but don't bloom well. They like shade but not too deep shade. Maybe increase the amount of light during winter a bit. Also maybe lay off the ferts a bit if you are fertilising very regularly.

I might add they get about 10 hours of light during winter in their natural habitat and nights get cold (sometimes down to about freezing) but they are always protected from frosts where they grow and winter days are cool (maybe 15-20 celsius). They get about 14 hours of light during summer and summer nights where they grow are generally cool and the days are warm. 70% shade should suit them fine with no direct sun. Seasonal variation of light and temperature is probably an important factor with flowering i would think.