Contents
Description
Thelymitra Cyanea, commonly known as the blue orchid, is a species of orchid native to Australia. It belongs to a genus of around 100 species, all of which are terrestrial orchids. The plant produces a single blue flower, which blooms in spring and summer. It is a popular ornamental plant because of its striking blue color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Thelymitra |
Appearance
The blue orchid has a single stem that can grow up to 50 centimeters tall. The stem is slender and covered in small hairs. The plant produces a single, blue flower that is 2-3 centimeters in diameter. The flower has six petals, with the lower three forming a lip. The lip is fringed with white hairs and has purple markings. The blue orchid also has narrow, grass-like leaves that grow from the base of the stem.
Care Guide
The blue orchid requires specific care to thrive. Here are some tips:
- Water: The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season, but it should not be allowed to sit in standing water. The plant should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilization: The blue orchid should be fertilized with a balanced orchid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.
- Sunlight: The blue orchid prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The blue orchid is prone to a few pests and diseases:
- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: These pests can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. The plant may wilt and the leaves may turn yellow. It can be prevented by allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Habitat
The blue orchid is native to Australia, where it can be found in a variety of habitats, including heathlands, woodlands, and grasslands. It prefers well-draining soils and bright, indirect sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my blue orchid?
A: The blue orchid should be watered regularly during the growing season, but it should not be allowed to sit in standing water. The plant should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.
Q: How tall can the blue orchid grow?
A: The blue orchid can grow up to 50 centimeters tall.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the blue orchid?
A: The blue orchid is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Q: What kind of soil does the blue orchid prefer?
A: The blue orchid prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.
Related Plants
- Thelymitra Crinita
- Thelymitra Epipactoides
- Thelymitra Ixioides
- Thelymitra Longifolia
References
- “Thelymitra Cyanea – Blue Lady Orchid.” Australian National Botanic Gardens. Accessed September 5, 2021. https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/gnp5/thelymitra-cyanea.html.
- “Thelymitra Cyanea.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 5, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b958.
- “Thelymitra Cyanea.” Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Accessed September 5, 2021. https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/plants/thelymitra-cyanea.
