Spiranthes australis

Also known as: The Australian Spiranthes or Spiranthes sinensis f. autumnus Spiranthes sinensis f. gracilis Spiranthes stylites Spiranthes sinensis var. australis Spiranthes novae-zelandiae Spiranthes congesta Spiranthes crispata Spiranthes densa Spiranthes flexuosa Spiranthes australis var. viridiflora Spiranthes indica Spiranthes longispicata Spiranthes pudica Spiranthes wightiana Spiranthes viridiflora Spiranthes papuana Spiranthes parviflora Spiranthes australis var. pudica Spiranthes aristotelea Spiranthes neocaledonica Spiranthes sinensis ssp. australis Spiranthes lancea var. chinensis Spiranthes himalayensis Spiranthes australis var. sinensis Gyrostachys australis h.v. crispata Spiranthes elytra Gyrostachys australis var. amoena Spiranthes alticola Gyrostachys australis var. sinensis Spiranthes angustilabris Spiranthes amoena Aristotelea spiralis Neottia australis var. chinensis Epidendrum aristotelea Spiranthes sinensis var. amoena Spiranthes sinensis Neottia pudica Gyrostachys congesta Neottia sinensis Gyrostachys australis var. flexuosa Neottia flexuosa Gyrostachys amoena Neottia amoena Ibidium viridiflorum Neottia crispata Gyrostachys stylites Gyrostachys wightiana Gyrostachys novifuburgensis Austral Ladies Tresses Orchid The Pink Spiral Orchid in the subfamily: Spiranthoideae

General Information

The Australian Spiranthes is a medium sized cool growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Spiranthoideae.

Care Notes

These orchids grow on the forest floor so are used to rich soil containing plenty of organic matter that is always moist (but not always wet), and prefer constant conditions in terms of humidity, temperature and water supply. They may not be as forgiving as epiphytes in regards to sudden changes in growing conditions so it is wise to ease them into new conditions over a the space of a few days, and repot as infrequently as possible.

Keep an eye on the plants condition regularly as they can decline suddenly if the conditions are not just right. It is more important to keep water supply constant rather than frequent - overwatering often causes rot which can quickly set in, especially in warmer conditions.

These can be grown in shady, moist areas in the garden, supplied they have protection from abrupt changes caused by the elements, e.g. dry winds, frost etc. Being grown around companion plants such as ferns and bromeliads will help build and retain the humidity they require throughout the year.

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations.

Potting

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.