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Description
Sobralia Helleri, also known as Heller’s Sobralia, is a species of orchid native to Central America, including Costa Rica and Panama. It was discovered in 1914 by Charles Schweinfurth, an American botanist. The plant is named after Dr. Heller, a collector who provided the first specimen to be described.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Sobralia |
Appearance
Sobralia Helleri is a large orchid that can grow up to 3 meters tall. The plant has a thick stem with many branches, each bearing several large, showy flowers. The flowers are fragrant and can be up to 10 cm in diameter. They are usually pink or purple with a yellow center, but can also be white or yellow. The leaves are long and narrow, up to 50 cm long and 5 cm wide.
Care Guide
Sobralia Helleri is a relatively easy orchid to care for. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:- Water: Sobralia Helleri likes to be kept moist, but not wet. Water the plant regularly, but make sure the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.- Fertilization: Feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring to fall).- Soil: Use a well-draining orchid mix that contains bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss.- Sunlight: Sobralia Helleri prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can burn the leaves.- Hardiness Zones: Sobralia Helleri is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sobralia Helleri is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:- Spider mites: These tiny insects can be seen spinning webs on the plant. Use a miticide to get rid of them.- Mealybugs: These white, cottony insects can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant. Use an insecticide to eliminate them.- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves and flowers. Remove infected parts of the plant and use a fungicide to prevent further spread.
Habitat
Sobralia Helleri is found in wet, lowland forests in Central America, typically growing on trees or rocks. It prefers humid conditions and can tolerate high temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Sobralia Helleri be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Sobralia Helleri can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with plenty of bright, indirect light and kept in a humid environment.
Q: How often should I fertilize Sobralia Helleri?
A: Feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring to fall).
Q: What is the best way to propagate Sobralia Helleri?
A: Sobralia Helleri can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes in the spring. Make sure each division has at least one healthy shoot and root system.
Q: How do I know if my Sobralia Helleri is getting too much or too little water?
A: If the leaves start to turn yellow and wilt, the plant may be getting too much water. If the leaves are dry and papery, the plant may be getting too little water.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Sobralia Helleri:- Sobralia Atropubescens- Sobralia Citrea- Sobralia Dichotoma- Sobralia Macrantha- Sobralia Pulcherrima
References
– “Sobralia Helleri,” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed September 9, 2021, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279585&isprofile=0&.- “Sobralia Helleri,” Orchids Wiki, accessed September 9, 2021, https://www.orchids.wiki/Sobralia_helleri.
