Sarcochilus

Sarcochilus prefer lower light levels. They grow best with 1500 to 2000 foot-candles. In hot, humid conditions, plants benefit from increased shading, air movement and watering, as this helps keep the foliage cool

Day temperatures in summer of 70–85 f (21–30 C) with nights of 65–70 f (18–21 C)

Day temperatures in winter of 65–75 f (18–21 C) with nights of 50–60 f (10–15 C)

For good culture Sarcochilus needs to be watered in a way that always keeps the medium slightly moist, like Phalaenopsis plant culture. They don’t have pseudobulbs to store water, and it’s the leaves and roots that are responsible for this function.

Year-round humidity should range from 40-75%

The fertilizer type depends on water quality: for hard water use a 20-20-20 and for pure water use a 13-3-13.  Use at half strength, about ½ teaspoon fertilizer per gallon of water with each watering.

Year-Round Air Movement and Air Exchange:

There should always be moving air around the plant. It helps cool the plants in summer and dry the plants off during after watering. Air exchange is equally important, for greenhouse or outside growers air exchange is usually not an issue. For indoor growers:  a fresh air inlet to your growing allowing for some air exchange will benefit your plants.

Sarcochilus need a well drained potting medium, since watering will be frequent; Medium sized orchid bark appears to do well in 3” pots and large bark for is good for 4” pots. Plastic pots and clay pots work well, hanging baskets is also a great way to grow these.

Repotting:

The best time to repot is when new roots are starting which in in the fall.Sarcochilusdon’t like having their roots disturbed, so repotting with the onset of new roots reduces transplant shock.

Sarcochilus generally flower in late April and early May.  Reminding you that Mother's Day is not far off.

Further information can be found on the Sarcochilus genus page.

Best orchid care practices are also provided for watering, repotting, and fertilizer types. There are also detailed discussions of growing orchids indoors, outdoors, or in greenhouses.

For more information on genus name changes, see Taxonomy.