Sarcochilus
If you think that orchids are all delicate and fragile, here’s a hardy Australian mini that will surprise you. This Sarcochilus is one tough species, related to Phals and Vandas. In the wild, it grows as a lithophyte, or rock plant. Its roots attach to cliff faces in eastern Australia, and they hold on despite strong ocean winds. It can handle a wide range of temperatures, and can even survive light freezes.
I’ve had this plant for 6 years, and it’s been a reliable annual bloomer. A nasty hailstorm damaged it last winter, but it flowered on schedule anyway. The arching sprays of sparkling white blooms can last 2 or 3 months. They may show wear-and-tear from rain, wind, heat waves, or pests, but the flowers persist. This one grows outdoors on my back deck all year, where it receives bright light with some direct sun.
Even though they’re lithophytes, they grow well potted in bark. Sarcochilus like regular water and fertilizer. Their leaves and roots are susceptible to damage from the slug and snail killer metaldehyde. However, snail baits with iron phosphate are safe for them.
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July 9th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
Wonderful post, keep it up thanks.
July 12th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
Great blog!
July 13th, 2011 at 10:56 am
I like the photos. It certainly looks like a very healthy plant! After reading your blog post I browsed your website a bit and you have so many lovely photos. Keep up the quality posts.
July 15th, 2011 at 11:37 am
Impressive pictures. I really like the first set. Its hard to take good pictures of white flowres sometimes. They reflect the light a lot, so you need to adjust for glare from sun on the camera.
July 31st, 2011 at 9:08 pm
hi!,I like your writing and photographs very much! Looking forward to seeing more.
August 9th, 2011 at 7:50 am
Whoa, whoa, get out the way with those sparkley flowers. I imagine they are even prettier in person.
November 5th, 2011 at 9:17 pm
Every time I come back here again and I don`t get disappointed..!!