AboutOrchids

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

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 9th, 2008 at 5:48 pm and is filed under Fertilizing, Fragrant Orchids, Intermediate Growers, Orchids in the Wild, Watering.

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