Cremastra appendiculata

Also known as: The Small Appendages Cremastra or Pogonia lanceolata Cremastra appendiculata var. triloba Cremastra appendiculata var. variabilis Cremastra triloba Cremastra variabilis var. viridiflora Cremastra wallichiana Cymbidium appendiculatum Cremastra appendiculata var. viridiflora Cremastra mitrata Cremastra appendiculata f. albiflora Cremastra bifolia Cremastra lanceolata Cremastra variabilis Cremastra appendiculata var. sonamii Cremastra appendiculata f. viridiflora Cremastra appendiculata f. purpurea Cremastra appendiculata var. appendiculata Hyacinthorchis variabilis in Japan - Saihai-ran in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bhutan China Thailand

General Information

The Small Appendages Cremastra is a cold to cool growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Bhutan, China and Thailand. The name refers to the warty Lip callus.

Plant Description

Each new growth has a single erect elliptic, lance shaped, terete shaped leaf

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Climate

These orchids thrive in humid, cool, shady conditions with good airflow, they will be found under dense forest canopies where they will receive moderate sun exposure throughout the year.

When cultivated they will thrive in a cool, sheltered environment such as a shaded greenhouse, or if grown in cooler climates they can be grown in the garden in areas where they are protected from frost and receive shade throughout the year, though they may be able to tolerate some morning sun during winter.

Grows at high elevations.

Fertiliser

These plants do well with slow release fertiliser at the rate of 2-3 pellets per cup (250ml) of media. Additional fertiliser during the growth period may be beneficial, but not necessary.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,