Each of the thirty five species of the Sophronitis orchids is so beautiful that I want them all in my life. Greek for modest, the dwarf epiphytic orchids from the Orchidaceae family are cultivated mostly because of their neat growing habit and vividly colored flowers.

Abbreviated as Soph in the trade, the Sophronitis is a genus of small epiphytic, meaning that they grow anchored to shrubs or trees, or lithophytic orchids, they grow on rocks or rocky soil, that are native to the damp mountain forests of eastern Brazil, in Paraguay and in the north eastern portion of Argentina.

Widely known for their gorgeous red blossoms, particularly the Sophronitis coccinea, they have rather short ovoid (shaped like an egg) pseudobulbs. These small growths usually live about five years and are often densely clustered along the rhizome from which a single erect, fleshy grey-grey leaf grows from stems anchored in the ground. The Sophronitis cernua, on the other hand, will grow while attached to a tree and has smaller leaves. We love to hybridize them to influence their small size and dark red color. In 2000, a classification was created by Van den Berg and M. W. Chase. In addition to the traditional small red flower, the new classification included all Laelia species grown naturally in Brazil. There is a Mexican species that are still classified as Laelia. As recently as January of 2008, the International Orchid Committee decided to move this orchid under the Cattleya genus which is known for larger flowered species such as Sophronitus purpurata.

The leaves then offer a terminal inflorescence, a group or cluster of flowers arranged on the stem, where the flowers are formed. We’re lucky to see anywhere from one to eight red flowers on each stem, that have similarly shaped sepals and petals. Other species offer blossoms in beautiful yellow, pink, magenta, lavender or orange. The tri-lobed lip partially encircles the entire column and the small mid-lobe has a yellow disc and spur. Almost all species have some shades or range due to a natural variation in their habitats.

Grown in shallow pots, make sure there is plenty of drainage with a very thin layer of “turfy” fern-root or fir bark in partial shade to bright light. But don’t use sphagnum as is used plentifully in potting other orchid species. You can use sphagnum moss if you are mounting the orchid on cork to hang from a tree or a wall. During the growing season you need to give the Sophronitis orchids a moderate water supply, approximately once a week, and plenty of fresh air. Once the temperature reaches 50º to 55º, water them only to keep them from shriveling.

The popular Sophronitis purpurata is also known as Laelia purpurata and is a native to Brazil. This species is an epiphyte which means it grows on a plant and is often found in the canopy of tall trees near the coastal areas in Sao Paul, Santa Catarina and the Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. This plant prefers bright light and cool to warm weather and is relatively easy to grow. The blossoms are long lasting and fragrant and the plant blooms from late spring to fall with three to five flowers on a spike.

All orchids need fertilizers specific to their species. It’s easy to obtain the right food from the grower or nursery from which you purchase the plants. Just follow the directions that accompany your purchase and you will have a long lasting love affair with these lovely miniatures. The American Orchid Society serves to encourage you in your collection or orchids.

The video below show the Brazilian Sophronitis Orchid.  It’s Beautiful!

More on the subject of the Sophronitis Orchids can be found at the links provided below:

This Orchid Care.org site is rapidly becoming a favored resource to large and small orchid plant growers as well as to hobbyists. Won’t you join the crowd?

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