We have tiny orchid species no bigger than your thumb nail and then we have monsters like today’s spectacular species from Central America and Mexico.
Today’s post is for Issy who looks after Sobralias and has not missed their flowering since year 7.

Sobralia macrantha is found from Mexico to Costa Rica where it grows as a terrestrial in leaf litter, and its massive flowers are matched by the plant with thin canes that grow to a height of around 1.5m with alternate dark green tough leaves. The terminal flowers open successively over a period of several weeks. The flowers are fragrant but only last two to three days.

The lip of flowers have a charming creased look from being all folded up in the bud but when fully open the flowers a about 20cm across and 25cm from top to bottom.

We grow our plants in pots of bark and moss to replicate the natural habitat in Central America and keep plants watered all year in our Warm Americas section where plants get a minimum if 15C and bright light.

The plant currently has three of its enormous flower in bloom. Issy calls Sobralia Macrantha, Samantha (obviously), and I can confirm that Samantha is missing you too Issy.