Sarcochilus Heidi

The genus Sarcochilus, abbreviated as Sarco in horticultural trade, is a member of the Orchid family (Orchidaceae), consisting of 25 species endemic to Northern Australia, Eastern Australia, Tasmania, New Guinea and New Caledonia.
The name Sarcochilus is derived from the Greek words sarx ( = flesh) and cheilos ( = lip), referring to the fleshy labellum of these orchids.
The genus Sarcochilus is shown to be non-monophyletic 
These are epiphytic or lithophytic orchids with leaves arranged disticiously and not originating from a pseudobulb. The axillary, racemose inflorescence is pendant to arching with a few to many, successive opening flowers with free petals and sepals. The colour of the flowers is variable and goes from pure white (S. falcatus) to white and red (S. fitzgeraldii). The trilobed, fleshy labellum is saccate ( = pouch-like) and articulate to the apex of the column foot. The large side lobes are erect and curved. The small midlobe is attached to a short spur. Some of these species can form keikis, forming large clumps with age. 
Temperature

Temperature range for these orchids in the cool to intermediate range is 8C to 25C. Sarcochilus are generally found in mountain gullies, outcrops and gorges, as epiphytes and lithophytes where they are exposed to cool conditions and the roots are frequently flooded but have swift drainage.
LIGHTS
Sarcochilus don't need much light and prefer to be grown in a shady cool corner out of direct sunlight. We grow our sarcochilus, on mounts of cork, and in pots. Some of the native sarcochilus are mounted on the sides of large pieces of cyathea (rough tree fern).
FEEDING 
During summer - Late spring through summer, plants will enjoy a feed every second or third watering, ensuring that the water runs freely from the bottom of the pot. 
During winter - feeding requirements are minimal, due to the plants being in a minimal or slow growth period. 
We feed weekly during late spring to summer, using a majority of organic (horse, cow, sheep manure) and supplements with inorganic (Aquasol, Seasol, Orchid mix, Miracle Gro) fertilisers every third to fourth feed. We then drop this to fortnightly or every three weeks, heading in autumn, and then down to once a month over the winter months.
Mounted plants are checked every couple of days even over the winter months to ensure they are not drying out. They are given a gentle misting, if they appear to be dry.
POTTING MIX
For our orchids in pots, we have experimented with several different media mixes. Our current mix is Debco Medium pine bark. A layer of aggregate, or heavier pine bark in the base of the pot, assists with weight to avoid being knock over or blown over in the wind, and enhances drainage.
PESTS
Sarco's have no particular problems in this area except for S. ceciliae which occasionally becomes infested with scale.

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