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Description
Thelymitra Matthewsii, also known as the Blue Lady Orchid, is a species of orchid that is native to Australia. This plant is a terrestrial orchid that grows in grassy woodlands and heathlands. It is a small plant that typically reaches a height of 20-40 cm. The plant has a single stem with a few narrow leaves at the base. The flowers of Thelymitra Matthewsii are blue-violet in color and have a white center. They are about 2-3 cm in diameter and bloom in late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Thelymitra |
Appearance
Thelymitra Matthewsii is a small plant with a single stem that grows up to 20-40 cm in height. The stem has a few narrow leaves at the base. The flowers of Thelymitra Matthewsii are blue-violet in color and have a white center. They are about 2-3 cm in diameter and bloom in late spring to early summer. The plant produces a single flower per stem.
Care Guide
Thelymitra Matthewsii is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Reduce watering during the dormant season.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.- Soil: Use a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant prefers bright, indirect light.- Hardiness Zones: Thelymitra Matthewsii is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Thelymitra Matthewsii is generally a disease-resistant plant. However, it is susceptible to fungal infections if the soil is too wet. Common pests that may affect the plant include spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs.
Habitat
Thelymitra Matthewsii is native to Australia and grows in grassy woodlands and heathlands. It prefers well-draining soils and bright, indirect light.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Thelymitra Matthewsii?
A: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Reduce watering during the dormant season.
Q: Is Thelymitra Matthewsii a disease-resistant plant?
A: Yes, Thelymitra Matthewsii is generally a disease-resistant plant.
Q: What kind of soil does Thelymitra Matthewsii prefer?
A: Thelymitra Matthewsii prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: What are some common pests that may affect Thelymitra Matthewsii?
A: Common pests that may affect Thelymitra Matthewsii include spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs.
Related Plants
– Thelymitra nuda- Thelymitra pauciflora- Thelymitra pulchella- Thelymitra venosa
References
– Australian Government, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. (2021). Thelymitra matthewsii — Blue Lady Orchid. https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=60177- Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). (2021). Thelymitra matthewsii. https://anpsa.org.au/t-mat.html- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. (2021). Thelymitra matthewsii. https://vicflora.rbg.vic.gov.au/flora/taxon/5a3b3a1a-2f93-4e4d-9d0f-7c9e9b6c7d76
