Family: Orchidaceae

There are 16 species in this genus of epiphytic orchids, found mostly in rainforests and moist gullies of eastern Australia, with one species occurring in New Caledonia. These very beautiful, highly perfumed orchids are easy to grow and make an attractive addition to any orchid collection. Flowering usually occurs in autumn and winter in the northern hemisphere, but some species flower at other times.

Species

S. ceciliae, fairy hells, is a dainty species with thick, narrow leaves and creeping stems that form dense clumps. The tiny, bell-shaped, highly fragrant flowers are usually pink and are borne on upright sprays.

S. fidcates, orange blossom orchid, is a lovely species with flattish leaves and sprays of white to cream, highly fragrant flowers, often marked in yellow or orange on the lip.

S. fitzgeraldii, ravine orchid, has branching stems that form a mat with age. The 20 cm (8 in) long sprays bear highly scented flowers, mostly in white, though sometimes pink, marked with red on the base.

S. hartmannii is a variable species, like S. fitzgeraldii, with stiff, channelled leaves and slightly longer sprays of white flowers, the base marked with pink to maroon spots. Some very choice hybrids are available from specialist growers.

Cultivation

Grow in an intermediate to warm greenhouse or conservatory, in pots of epiphytic orchid compost. Alternatively, grow in hanging, slatted wooden orchid baskets, or mount plants on slabs of bark or cork hung up in the greenhouse. Provide high humidity and shade from direct sun, and water very sparingly when plants are resting.

Climate

Zone 10.