Read more of Cultivation of Sobennikoffia humbertiana H.Perrier,
Light:
2500-3500 fc. Light should be filtered or diffused, and plants should not be exposed to direct midday sun. Strong air movement should be provided at all times.
Temperatures:
Summer days average 85-86F (29-30C), and nights average 65-66F (18-19C), with a diurnal range of 20-21F (11-12C).
Humidity:
70-75% in summer and autumn, dropping to 60-65% for about 3 months in late winter and early spring.
Water:
Rainfall is moderate to heavy from late spring to early autumn. Averages then drop rather abruptly in midautumn at the beginning of the dry season, that lasts about 5 months until late winter or early spring. Cultivated plants should be watered heavily while actively growing, but drainage must be excellent. Water should be reduced in autumn after new growths mature.
Fertilizer:
1/4-1/2 recommended strength, applied weekly when plants are actively growing. Many growers prefer to use a balanced fertilizer throughout the year; but others use a high-nitrogen fertilizer from spring to midsummer, then switch to one high in phosphates in late summer and autumn.
Rest period:
Winter days average 75-78F (24-26C), and nights average 53-54F (12C), with a diurnal range of 22-25F (12-14C). Rainfall in the habitat is low from autumn to early spring. Humidity remains relatively high throughout the year, however, so considerable additional moisture is available from heavy dew and late-night mist. Cultivated plants need much less water in winter, but plants should not be completely without water for long periods. Occasional early-morning mistings between infrequent light waterings should be adequate in most growing areas. Water should be increased somewhat if leaves shrivel or show signs of stress. Fertilizer should be eliminated until new growth starts and heavier watering is resumed in spring. Hillerman and Holst (1986) reported that, "It is accustomed to a long dry spell, and probably should be given a dry rest period, although we have not found this to be necessary for flowering. We water weekly for pots, daily for slabs."
Growing media:
Plants may be grown in shallow, well-drained containers or mounted on tree-fern slabs. Mounted plants need high humidity, however, and during hot, dry weather they may need several waterings a day. If it is difficult to keep mounted plants moist enough, they may be grown in a shallow pot or basket filled with a very open, fast-draining medium that has excellent drainage, is well aerated, and allows the medium to dry fairly rapidly after watering. Growers generally use medium-sized fir bark or shredded tree-fern fiber and add varying amounts of chunky perlite and/or chopped sphagnum moss to keep the medium open and retain some moisture. Including charcoal in the mix also holds the medium open and prevents souring in the pot. Plants should be repotted immediately if the medium starts to break down or whenever the plant outgrows its container. Repotting should be done just as new roots start to grow. This enables the plant to become reestablished in the shortest possible time. Hillerman & Holst (1986) suggested using pots that are 5-8 in. (13-20 cm) in diameter or mounting on slabs that are at least 4 by 12 in. (12 by 30 cm) in size.
Notes:
Growers report that plants are in bloom for an extended time.
References:
This information is quoted from a Charles and Margaret Baker culture sheet, with permission from Troy Meyers
