Sedirea japonica -- species description

Sedirea japonica (L. Linden & Rchb. f.)

Garay & H.R. Sweet 1974

Synonyms:

Basionym: Aerides japonica L. Linden & Rchb. f. 1863
Angraecum japonicum Linden 1881

Common name(s): "NAGO RAN" in Japanese
Pronunciation: seh-DEHR-ee-ahhap-on-IH-ka
Derivation:Sedirea is Aerides spelled backwards, since this species was initially described as an Aerides. The species name refers to the country of origin, Japan.
Plant: Epiphytic; normally pendant plants and flowers; monopodial plants have no water storage organs and can dry out easily in warm weather.
Flowers: See illustrations. Sedirea blooms primarily from spring through early summer. The inflorescence may have from three to twelve flowers. The flowers are cream to green, with magenta spots on the lips. They will last from one to two months, and are fragrant both day and night. Mature plants will send out multiple inflorescences at once.
Fragrant: Yes.
Bloomtimes: Spring through early summer.
Habitat: Epiphytic in pine forests.
Distribution: Japan (possibly in Korea, too).
Culture:

LIGHT
Sedirea japonica prefers medium light levels, from 1500 - 2500 foot-candles. If you are growing under fluorescent lights, keep the plants about 6" - 8" from the tubes. Under high-intensity lamps, grow approximately 4 feet from the fixture. This plant can be grown on windowsills, given an east, south, or west exposure. Plants may be grown outdoors in the summer with filtered sunlight.

TEMPERATURE
This plant is an intermediate grower. In the spring and summer, day-time temperature should be 65º to 75º F during the day, with a 10º to 15º difference at night. During winter months, day temperatures can be below 60º F, night temperatures down to 50º F.

HUMIDITY should be kept from 40 to 60%. Use humidity trays or a small room humidifier when growing on windowsills.

WATER & FERTILIZER
Use clean water, such as rainwater, distilled or reverse osmosis water if possible. Flush the plant regularly, especially if using municipal or well water. Never use artificially softened water. Let the plants dry out between watering. Use ample water in spring and summer while the plants are in active growth and in flower, reducing quantities during cooler winter days. Use a balanced fertilizer year-round, preferably urea-free. If using rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis water, add some municipal or well water to supply the necessary calcium and magnesium. Fertilize very lightly every other watering during the growing season, once a month during the winter should do.

REPOTTING
Repotting of this plant is preferably done in the spring and early summer, every two to three years. Either clay, plastic, or net pots, or wood baskets will work. Use an open mix that will drain freely. Several possibilities are: good-quality sphagnum moss or tree fern fiber alone, a sphagnum-tree fern mix, an open bark mix, and osmunda fiber. Plants may also be mounted on cork or tree fern plaques, or on wood or branches (oak, sassafras, etc).

Photograph above and below by Colleen Pruett, courtesy of New World Orchids.

The barring pattern of the petals can vary greatly, as can the hue of markings in the lip. Below (at left) is a form with more red coloration in the lip and solid petal stripes. Photo by Osamu Aoki:

last updated: March 12, 2003 by Joseph Dougherty

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