Polystachya spatella

Also known as: The Spatula or Polystachya elliotii in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Burundi Kenya Rwanda Uganda

General Information

The Spatula is a cold to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous erect lance shaped leaves

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.