My first sophronitis *MINI*

[Shadow]

Two days ago I bought my first sophronitis (cernua). It came from the Brazilian orchid farm. Yesterday I spent 3 hours digging in the Internet and I found some useful information but I still have questions.

I have to put it on slab, because its bulbs grow horisontally and I want to try to grow it outside the clay pot. We have hot summers and I hope it will feel more comfortable on clay. But the clay pot looks so ...bare. Should I put some coconut fiber on it? With coconut it looks better, but feels warmer. Moreover, I want to water it automatically when I'm away and I'm afraid that coconut will hold water and it will be bad for sophr. What do you think?

[Ross]

I purchased mine mounted on a stick and water it but dipping it (actually soaking) in a large bucket of water. It hangs directly in front of a south-facing window and gets about 2500-3000 foot-candles of light (25,000-30,000 Lux) It has roots all along the stick and is putting out 2 new leaves. Hope this helps.

[Shadow]

Does it have any moss or coconut fiber around the roots? Mine were taken off from slab by somebody and it has only 2 or 3 very short roots.

[Ross]

It has a tiny bit of moss that was probably used when it was first mounted. The roots have grown completely around the stick and are out in the open. I would try a tiny bit of moss (don't want the plant to hold water too long - it likes to dry off slightly) and tie onto the mount with fishing line or nylon sewing thread. It will grow new roots soon enough. If you mount it on a stick (say a couple cm thick and as long as your hand) it would be hard to over-water because the air would dry it. I water mine every day.

[Shadow]

Thanks. Have you ever tried to grow them on clay slabs?

[Ross]

No. I prefer a more natural look. Here is what mine looks like right now:



There are actually 2 new growths - one is directly under the large leaf in the center (out of sight to the camera).

[Tindomul]

I have mine mounted on wood. It is in my orchidarium, but its at the very top getting the highest amount of light and ventilation. It dries up quickly and I spray it twice a day. It is currently growing a root and a new growth. I love the little guy! I'll see if I can find a pic:

[cb977]

Here is a page you may have seen already but it has lots of information on this 'chid:

http://www.orchidspecies.com/sophronitiscernura.htm

[littlefrog]

Mine is mounted on a piece of cork that is tied to a coconut fiber panel (it outgrew the cork). It is making tentative attempts to colonize the panel.

I think this will grow on pretty much anything as long as it can dry out between waterings.

[Ross]

But doesn't it just "look better" on a stick?