Plectorrhiza tridentata

Also known as: The Three Toothed Plectorrhiza or Thrixspermum tridentatum Saccolabium calcaratum Sarcochilus calcaratus Sarcochilus tridentatus Cleisostoma tridentatum Sarcanthus tridentatus Cleisostoma cornutum The Common Tangle Orchid in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Australia

General Information

The Three Toothed Plectorrhiza is a small monopodial cool growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Australia.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 30cm. Each new growth has numerous elliptic oblong shaped leaves that grow to 1.5-10cm long. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Flowers

Numerous long lasting, fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Care Notes

These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 71mm to 135mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in April. Humidity ranges from 61% to 70%, highest in October and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 8C to 26C, highest in July (18C to 26C) and lowest in January (8C to 16C).

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.