Sobralia
Sobralia flowers never fail to impress. Many species in this genus have big blooms. With flowers as large as 10 inches (25 cm,) this species is one of the most remarkable in the family.
The flowers look like Cattleyas, but the similarities end there. Unlike Cattleyas, this Sobralia species likes heavy water and fertilizer, and doesn’t mind cool temperatures. Native to rainforests from Mexico to Costa Rica, it grows in a wide variety of conditions. It lives at elevations as high as 11,000 feet (3400 m.) That helps explain why it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Mine lives outdoors on the deck all year, and I try to keep it on the dry side for its winter dormancy.
Sobralias like to be potted in small pots and dislike repotting. Their bamboo-like leaves grow on strong stems. Although this species can grow up to 7 feet (2.1 m) tall, my plant is only 1.5 feet (0.5 m.) The contrast of such a large flower on a short plant provides a striking effect.
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.
Explore posts in the same categories: Dormancy, Fertilizing, Fragrant Orchids, Intermediate Growers, Photos, Watering
Subscribe to the About Orchids Blog:
November 20th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Nice shots. Its an ornate flower
November 21st, 2009 at 5:32 am
gorgeous! I love the touch of yellow.
November 24th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Excellent flower. It looks like the kinds they use to make a corsage.
November 30th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
brillinat blog
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Wow! What beautiful flowers! I never think of something that looks so tropical can handle cold temps. Even though I live in Florida, we can get a few cold days in winter, so its good to know there are orchids that I don’t need to rush indoors when the forecast says it will get cold.
December 23rd, 2009 at 12:57 pm
great pics
December 31st, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Thanks for the pretty pictures!!!
March 10th, 2010 at 11:36 am
They look alot like Catts.
March 13th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
[…] The old Japanese Maple in the back garden is leafing out, and the leaves of my Sobralia have turned light green, telling me that the sun is strengthening. […]
September 11th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
[…] Sobralias can grow as terrestrial orchids […]