Sobralia – Orchids

Description

Sobralia – There are about 35, mostly tall, evergreen, terrestrial, occasionally epiphytic orchids from Central America and tropical South America. They naturally occur at altitudes of up to 11,300′ feet high, sometimes on rocks by streams. They have slender, cane like stems, with foliage borne along almost all the stem length. The leathery, mid green leaves are oblong to broadly oval or lance shaped, and often folded. Short lived cattleya like blooms, with a delicate, papery textures, are borne in succession every 3-4 days, at stem tips. Cool growing orchids (see chart below). Grow in containers of terrestrial orchid potting mix in bright filtered light, and maintain moderate to high humidity. When in active growth, water freely , mist the foliage daily, and apply a quarter strength balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Prone to spider mites, aphids, whiteflies and mealybugs.