Ponthieva schaffneri

Also known as: Schaffner's Ponthieva or Ponthieva angustipetala in the subfamily: Spiranthoideae

Native to: Chiapas - Mexico Chihuahua - Mexico Colima - Mexico Durango - Mexico Guanajuato - Mexico Guatemala Guerrero - Mexico Nayarit - Mexico Oaxaca - Mexico Puebla - Mexico Sinaloa - Mexico Tamaulipas - Mexico

General Information

Schaffner's Ponthieva is a cold to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Spiranthoideae native to Mexico and Guatemala. It is named after the German Physician and Orchid Enthusaist in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous erect arching, elliptic leaves

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Autumn

Blooming Season

• Autumn

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.