The Little Orchid That Could
This little orchid is certainly not the showiest, or the most colorful, but it’s a survivor. I blogged about this mini Cynorkis a few years ago, when I thought I might have killed it. Actually, it was fine, and grew again without problem. In the years since, whenever I’ve worried that I might have done it in, it’s always come back with fresh leaves and blooms.
This species seems to go dormant on its own schedule, dropping its old leaves and then growing new ones from tiny tubers. The small flowers open successively, extending the bloom for a couple months. It’s the perfect mini for a warm, shady spot, as long as the space can accommodate the tall flower spikes, which can reach 2 feet (0.6 m) tall or more.
Although I’ve gotten used to its seemingly random dormancy schedule, there was another time when I really thought I had killed it. It had a fresh set of leaves, and I must have accidentally overwatered it. The leaves quickly rotted, and I assumed the plant was finally lost. Instead, it started growing again after a few weeks, no worse for wear. This Cynorkis is truly the little orchid that could.
Explore posts in the same categories: Dormancy, Mini Orchids, Photos, Warm Growers
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