Sulking Schomburgkia superbiens

[ericst11]

I have a Schomburgkia superbiens that has been sulking for about 5 to 6 months that was from overseas . Can someone tell me if they know of a way to bring it out of this stand still .Its still green and no dead growth but just wont grow.

[epiphyte78]

It might just need some time to adjust. I would also look at leaf color. The leaves of my superbiens are a yellowish green. If it's getting enough light then temperature might be another possibility. Mine is thriving outdoors year around. Here are the average temperatures that it is experiences here in Los Angeles compared to the average temperatures it experiences in its native habitat...

34.05N | 256 ft | Los Angeles --- 16.7N | 6550 ft | Laelia superbiens

Sources: Orchid Culture, Weather Reports,Temperature Charts

[ericst11]

It is out side now but i live in nebraska so in a month i will be bring it in under lights where it gets plenty of light to maybe it just needs time.

[Weebl]

They like to dry out between waterings. I got one from SBOE in coarse (1-2" diameter) granite and promptly mounted it to the railing of a deck. Needless to say it dries quickly, but like epiphyte78 I grow mine outdoors year round and the only damage to it has been from small hail spotting the leaves. For climate comparison:

36.68N | 134 ft | 95012

Sources: Orchid Culture, Weather Reports,Temperature Charts

[epiphyte78]

Thanks Weebl, I forgot to mention that mine is mounted as well and dries out between waterings.

Has yours flowered? I would have guessed that Schomburgkia superbiens would require more warmth to mature growth and flower....

36.68N | 134 ft | 95012 --- 34.05N | 256 ft | Los Angeles

Sources: Orchid Culture, Weather Reports,Temperature Charts

It would be nice to know exactly how many hours above x temperature is required for y orchid to mature growth and flower. Then we could predict the northernmost or southernmost grow limit for epiphytic orchids. For example...how far up the coast of California could Schomburgkia superbiens successfully grow?

[Weebl]

It it's strange growth cycles... It started putting out it's newest growth last September (give or take a month) and it was matured by January (+ or - a month) which is strange because that's the beginning of our coldest months. Usually only January February and March do we have a chance at experiencing frost. It hasn't flowered yet, but the growths i puts out are nice and thick.

[isurus79]

While I dont own this particular species, Ive noticed that some of the Schombos can be really sensitive to changes in their environment and will sulk for a while. Just make sure its roots dry off quickly and it gets crazy bright light. Good luck!