Spiranthes romanzoffiana

Also known as: Romanoff's Spiranthes or Triorchis stricta Spiranthes stricta Spiranthes romanzoffiana var. stricta Orchiastrum romanzoffianum Spiranthes gemmipara Spiranthes romanzoffiana var. gemmipara Triorchis strictus Triorchis romanzoffianus Gyrostachys stricta Neottia gemmipara Ibidium romanzoffianum var. strictum Ibidium romanzoffianum Ibidium strictum Gyrostachys gemmipara in UK - Irish Ladies' Tresses In USA - Hooded Ladies Tresses in the subfamily: Spiranthoideae

Native to: Canada Ireland

General Information

Romanoff's Spiranthes is a cold to cool growing orchid belonging to the sub family Spiranthoideae native to Canada and Ireland. It is named after the Russian State Minister in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Grows to 50cm. Each new growth has numerous erect lance shaped leaves that grow to 1.5-25cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 50cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss
• Sand

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 high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 160mm per day, heaviest in January and lightest in August. Temperature ranges from -4C to 29C, highest in July (11C to 29C) and lowest in January (-4C to 5C).

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

This plant does well mounted.