While the Australian genus Sarcochilus has become more and more popular, with an explosion of hybrids in a range of colors reminiscent of Phalaenopsis, the primary hybrids and species have become more scarce in horticulture. It is uncommon for us to see a Sarcochilus species at an orchid society meeting, while there are often several (complex) hybrids on display during the spring blooming season.
This particular Sarcochilus hybrid is a second backcross of Sarcochilus falcatus, one of my favorite Sarcochilus species. Sarcochilus Dorrigo is the hybrid of Sarcochilus Melba (Sarc. falcatus x Sarc. hartmannii) and Sarcochilus falcatus.
As with our other Sarcochilus, we grow this species in our cool room with minimum 50F (10C) nights in the winter, and summer highs in the mid 80s (29C). With high humidity (60-70%), it tolerates the warmer temperatures quite fine.
We grow our Sarcochilus with moderate light levels and they do well, though often referred to as a “shady” genus. Nearby, there are numerous Vanda (Neofinetia) falcata and some Dockrillia species. A (happily blooming) Dendrobium hercoglossum grows directly adjacent to this large Sarcochilus.
Interested in more unique and beautiful orchid images?
My vision to create orchid portraits emerged from my appreciation for the “whole orchid.” So many photographs of orchids focus only on the flower. But orchids are not flowers: they are entire plants and living beings. Connect more deeply with the many dimensions of orchids …
