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Specific additional cultural information
Philip C. Tomlinson © 1998
For basic cultural information, refer to the Cattleya
Culture page. Seasonal cultural information is also included with that data.
The following page details specific cultural pointers for the genus SOPHRONITIS, and should be read
with the basic information presented elsewhere.
SOPHRONITIS
Sophronitis species are comparatively small plants, but they produce brightly coloured flowers. They have
been quite widely used in hybridising to introduce their bright colours and to introduce cold tolerance
to cattleyas.
The species mostly come from the Monsoonal Foothill Mountain and High
Altitude habitats, and information on these habitats can be usefully referred to.
SPECIFIC CULTURE
Most sophronitis species are subject in nature to temperatures ranging from 0 degrees celsius during the
winter months, to a maximum of 30 degrees celsius during the summer. At all times and especially with
the higher temperatures, humidity must be maintained at all times - around 70 to 90%. Sophronitis pygmae,
acuensis and mantiqueira require the coolest temperatures. S. coccinea can take slightly
higher temperatures, with S. cernua, breviipedunculata and wittigiana tolerating
still higher temperatures. The plants require cattleya light levels - or perhaps even more. Any fresh
potting mix able to hold moisture can be utilised. Plenty of fresh moving air is important in preserving
their continued health.
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8.2.2000
