Spiranthes sinensis

Also known as: The Chinese 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 Calanthe australis Epidendrum aristotelea Spiranthes australis Spiranthes sinensis var. amoena Monustes australis Neottia pudica Gyrostachys congesta Gyrostachys australis var. flexuosa Neottia flexuosa Gyrostachys australis Gyrostachys amoena Neottia amoena Ibidium viridiflorum Neottia crispata Gyrostachys stylites Gyrostachys wightiana Gyrostachys novifuburgensis In Australia - The Christmas Lily in the subfamily: Spiranthoideae

Native to: China Japan New Zealand Queensland - Australia South Australia - Australia Tasmania - Australia

General Information

The Chinese Spiranthes is a medium sized cool to warm growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Spiranthoideae native to China, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia.

Plant Description

Grows to 15-50cm. Each new growth has numerous erect lance shaped leaves that grow to 0.4-20cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 5cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear during Spring

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Blooming Season

• Spring

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss
• Sand

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.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

These orchids grow in cool climates, at low altitudes, in cool plains, forests or coastal scrub.

They are forgiving of humidity variances as long as temperatures are kept on the cool side. They can do well outdoors in the garden in cool and temperate areas, though it is important that they are protected from warm dry winds. They can enjoy morning sun especially in winter but will need protection from the hot sun in the afternoon and during summer. With some acclimatisation they may be able to receive more sun.

 

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 259mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 61% to 79%, highest in August and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 7C to 29C, highest in May (20C to 29C) and lowest in January (7C to 18C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a constant supply of moisture, with a slight drying out between waterings. Saucers can be placed under pots to retain moisture during hot weather, however the saucers should be removed or let to dry every 1-2 weeks to prevent rot. Keep an eye on the plant especially in hot weather and look for cues of under/overwatering and adjust accordingly.

During Spring and Summer, be sure to keep media moist.

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 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.

Repotting is best done annually.