Spiranthes tuberosa

Also known as: Little Ladies' Tresses or Triorchis grayi Spiranthes tuberosa var. grayi Spiranthes grayi Gyrostachys grayi in the subfamily: Spiranthoideae

General Information

Little Ladies' Tresses is a cold to cool growing orchid belonging to the sub family Spiranthoideae.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 2-5cm long

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss
• Sand

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 69mm to 119mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in October. Humidity ranges from 57% to 76%, highest in August and lowest in May. Temperature ranges from -3C to 31C, highest in July (18C to 31C) and lowest in January (-3C to 9C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Fertiliser

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength during Summer. Reduce fertiliser during Summer.