Smitinandia micrantha

Also known as: The Small Flowered Smitinandia or Uncifera albiflora Saccolabium fissum Pomatocalpa poilanei Ceratochilus micranthus Cleisostoma micranthum Cleisostoma tixieri Cleisostoma poilanei Cleisostoma petitiana Gastrochilus parviflorus In Thailand - Kularb dong in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bhutan Cambodia Myanmar Sikkim - India Thailand West Bengal - India

General Information

The Small Flowered Smitinandia is a small monopodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Bhutan, Cambodia, Myanmar, India, and Thailand.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 20cm. Each new growth has numerous thick erect, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 1.4-11cm long

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 cool, conditions with good airflow. 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 low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 546mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 51% to 84%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 8C to 28C, highest in April (23C to 28C) and lowest in January (8C to 20C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

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.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. 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

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,

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.