Cynorkis: A Mini Orchid from Madagascar
Cynorkis fastigiata is an unusual orchid from some unusual islands. It would be easy to mistake for a couple blades of grass, except for its strange flowers hovering above. This small species is native to Madagascar and nearby islands in the Indian Ocean: the Seychelles, the Comoros, Mauritius, and Reunion.
This species can grow as a terrestrial or an air plant. It needs regular water, high humidity, and warm temps during spring and summer. Cynorkis drops its leaves and goes dormant over winter, but shouldn’t be allowed to dry out. As a confession, I’ll admit that I think I’ve messed up the dormancy period with my plant. It has bloomed twice this year — once in April, and again with fresh leaves and flowers over the past few weeks. It may not survive the winter, but at least we have another set of photos from this bloom. Please keep your fingers crossed for me, and I’ll keep you updated on its progress.
My plant seems to self-pollinate, and every flower forms a seedpod. I suppose that explains its reputation for being invasive in greenhouses. It’s known as one of the few orchid weeds (check out the Bamboo Orchid and the Philippine Ground Orchid for other examples.) So far, mine hasn’t spread to any other nearby pots. If it survives, maybe it will have more chances to earn its weedy reputation.
Explore posts in the same categories: Dormancy, Intermediate Growers, Mini Orchids, Photos, Warm Growers
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