Zeuxine strateumatica

Also known as: Zeuxine Orchid or Zeuxine strateumatica f. rupicola Strateuma zeylanica Orchis strateumatica h.v. major Orchis strateumatica h.v. minor Pterygodium sulcata Zeuxine bonii Zeuxine robusta Zeuxine procumbens Zeuxine integerrima Zeuxine emarginata Zeuxine wariana Zeuxine rupicola Zeuxine bracteata Zeuxine brevifolia Adenostylis sulcata Zeuxine stenochila Adenostylis integerrima Zeuxine sulcata Zeuxine strateumatica var. rupicola Zeuxine strateumatica var. laxiflora Adenostylis emarginata The Feild Zeuxine The Soldier's Lawn Orcihd in the subfamily: Spiranthoideae

Native to: Cambodia China

General Information

Zeuxine Orchid is a miniature cool to warm growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Spiranthoideae native to Cambodia and China.

Plant Description

Grows to 2.5-18cm. Each new growth has numerous erect leaves that grow to 3.8cm long

Flowers

Numerous self pollinating blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

• Spaghnum Moss

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 elevations. Rainfall ranges from 13mm to 284mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 76% to 85%, highest in August and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 9C to 32C, highest in June (24C to 32C) and lowest in January (9C 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.

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. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. 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.