Habitat and Ecology
​Sobralia atropubescens, commonly known as the Black-Haired Sobralia, is a terrestrial or sometimes epiphytic orchid native to Central and Northern South America, with a distribution spanning Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador. It is found in wet tropical forests, river valleys, and mountain slopes at elevations typically between 500 and 1,500 metres. The species name atropubescens refers to the dark red or purplish-black hairs that cover its stems and leaf sheaths. It thrives in rich, moist, organic soils under bright, filtered light and high humidity, where it is often grown around companion plants like ferns.
​Description
​This is a medium-sized, erect, reed-stemmed orchid that forms graceful, bushy clumps, growing up to 70 cm tall. The slender, cane-like stems are clothed in prominently veined, elliptic to lance-shaped leaves that are plicate (pleated). The stems and leaf sheaths are covered in dark, nearly black or dark red pubescence (hairs), which is a key distinguishing feature and the source of its name. The flowers are produced successively from the apex of the stem, often lasting only a day but appearing over a long season. The blooms are typically 7-9 cm (3-3.5 inches) wide and vary in colour, often being brick-red, rusty-red, or tawny brown, with a prominent, funnel-shaped lip that is typically fringed (ruffled) and marked with darker reddish-purple veins and a contrasting throat. Rare forms with yellow or white flowers (f. aurea) are also known.
​Cultivation
​Sobralia atropubescens is a warm-growing orchid that requires constant warmth and moisture. It needs bright, indirect light; it thrives with high light exposure, often tolerating full morning sun, which is important for promoting strong canes and flowering. It should be grown in a large container using a rich, water-retentive, yet porous terrestrial mix (e.g., fine bark, loam, leaf mould, and synthetic peat or coir). The plant is a heavy drinker during the growing season; the substrate should be kept consistently moist, never allowed to dry out completely. High humidity (70-85%) is necessary, along with good air circulation.
​Optimal Daytime Temperature: 21-29 C  (70-85 F)
​Optimal Nighttime Temperature: A small drop is beneficial, ideally 16-22 C (61-72 F).
​Feed regularly and heavily (weekly) with a balanced liquid fertiliser during the spring/summer growing season. It is best to repot infrequently to avoid disturbing its sensitive root system.
​Unique Features
​This Sobralia is a highly ornamental orchid prized for its unique, velvety, dark-haired stems which give the entire plant a striking, rugged texture and a blackish appearance against the bright green leaves. The large, showy, brick-red to rust-coloured flowers that bloom in succession over many weeks offer an exotic and rewarding display, contrasting beautifully with the dark stems. Its preference for high light and ability to thrive alongside ferns make it a distinctive specimen for a mixed, warm greenhouse border or large container.
​Specifications
​Plant Size: 3-4 canes, mostly leaved.
​Plant Family: Orchidaceae
​Plant Passport: A Sobralia atropubescens B 140084 C [user input] D GB