Polystachya cultriformis

Also known as: The Knife or Polystachya gerrardii Polystachya cultriformis var. occidentalis Polystachya lujae Polystachya coelogynochila Polystachya cultriformis var. nana Polystachya cultriformis var. humblotii Polystachya cultrata Polystachya kirkii Polystachya cultriformis var. autogama Polystachya appendiculata Polystachya cultriformis var. africana Polystachya cultriformis var. alba Polystachya cultriformis var. erubescens Dendrorkis cultridendris Dendrorkis appendiculata in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Burundi Cameroon Ethiopia Kenya Madagascar Malawi Mozambique Rwanda South Africa Uganda Zimbabwe

General Information

The Knife is a small cool to hot growing epiphytic or lithophytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

Plant Description

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

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Summer and Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring
• Summer

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

Grows at low to high elevations.

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,