Polystachya transvaalensis

Also known as: The Transvaal Polystachya or Polystachya nigrescens Polystachya rendlei Polystachya natalensis Polystachya transvaalensis ssp. transvaalensis Polystachya transvaalensis ssp. kahuziana in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Burundi Cameroon Kenya Malawi Rwanda Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe

General Information

The Transvaal Polystachya is a cold to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Burundi, Cameroon, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is named after a State of South Africa.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous leathery leaves

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

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

Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly during Spring and Summer.

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,