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Sunset Valley Orchids
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Sunset Valley Orchids 2013 Sarcochilus list
Sarcochilus are native to Australia and have been grown there for many years; occasionally we see a few plants here is the USA, but not as many as we should. I am working to rectify that shortage. With my visits to Australia sourcing Aussie Dendrobium plant material, I came across several Sarcochilus breeders who are doing a magnificent job. Their primary efforts are focused on ‘high color’ type of breeding with pinks, reds, yellows, salmon, and purples being the goals. I have carefully selected the hybrids that appear to be most promising with good color, quick to bloom, compact plants, and charming aspect. This is the first offering in the USA of the modern Sarcochilus breeding.
Here are the basic requirements for moisture, temperature and light needed for good culture. Sarcochilus need to be watered in a way to keep the medium slightly moist. They don’t have pseudobulbs to store water so it’s the leaves and roots that are responsible for this function. I water them every 2-3 days in summer and once a week in winter. Sarcochilus need a well drained potting medium as watering will be frequent; I have found medium orchid bark to be ideal. The summer temperatures should range from 75-85 degrees during the day and 60-70 degrees at night with winter temperatures from 60-75 degree days and 45-55 degree nights. The plants prefer light levels of 1500 to 2000 foot candles (fc). In hot humid conditions the plants benefit from increased shading and air movement, as this helps keep the foliage cool.
Sarcochilus generally flower in late April and early May; I am always reminded that Mother’s day is not far off when I see the first blooms.
SVO 5252 NEW Aip. Gunter Gerlach 'Ron K.' x Stan. jenischiana 'Catorce' AM/AO How cool is an Aciopea! It is a hybrid between a Stanhopea and an Acineta. Gunter Gerlach (Acn. superba x Stan. gibbosa) produces 5-7 honey colored flowers heavily peppered with red spotting. The flowers have the shape of the Stanhopea and flower life of the Acineta, a very nice attribute. With the addition of Stan. jenischiana with its 14 brilliant orange flowers back onto the Aciopea, it can only add color and flower count. Flower life will be determined once we see them bloom. This is the forefront of Stanhopeinae breeding. 3” pots |
SVO 914 Well shaped pinks with dark red centers, Elegance is an excellent breeder |
SVO 993 This is a highly successful hybrid with large pink flowers and red centers with white halos. Several awards have been given in Australia on this one so far. |
SVO 9103 Nice pink throughout segments, a few with red centers, good shape from this pairing. |
SVO 9117 Soft pinks will be produced here with a few having red centers, Elegance is an excellent breeder. |
SVO 9124 Late blooming with well formed pink flowers and red centers, Elegance is an excellent breeder. |
SVO 9125 Breeding the high color of Zoe back to the species hartmannii, we should get improved vigor and fullness of segments |
SVO 9126 Purple patterned flowers of superb shape; this is the breeding Aussies are looking for awards with. |
** Some pictures are representative of the cross and not actual parents.
