Big Flower
The title pretty much says it all. The scientific name of this orchid, Sobralia macrantha, translates as “big flower,” and it doesn’t disappoint. This easy-to-grow orchid puts on a great show with flowers that can be as large as 6-10 inches (15-25 cm.) It’s native to a variety of habitats from Mexico to Costa Rica, where it lives at elevations as high as 11,000 feet (3400 m.) That helps explain why it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
The flowers are reminiscent of Cattleyas, but the similarities end there. Unlike Cattleyas, this Sobralia likes very heavy water and fertilizer, and doesn’t mind cold temperatures.
Although the flowers only last a few days, these orchids are frequent bloomers. The photo below shows a flower bud ready to open.
Explore posts in the same categories: Fertilizing, Fragrant Orchids, Intermediate Growers, Orchids in the Wild, Watering
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September 9th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
I saw these in Mexico and didn’t know they could be grown here! I was amazed at how big the flower was compared to the size of the plant. Very pretty!
October 7th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
beautiful flowers! they look like they should be good for a corsage
July 25th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
[…] and Zygo, will quickly put up a new flower spike and bloom within a few weeks. My Cymbidiums, Sobralia, and Vanilla quickly start growing new leaves. My Phals and Epidendrums also love the nutrient […]