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Description
Cyrtostylis Rotundifolia is a rare and fascinating orchid species native to Australia. It is also known as the Gnat Orchid, due to its small size and the fact that it attracts gnats for pollination. This delicate plant has a tuberous root system and produces small, round leaves that grow up to 2 centimeters in diameter. The flowers of Cyrtostylis Rotundifolia are small, white, and star-shaped, with a distinctive spur at the back.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Cyrtostylis |
| Species | Cyrtostylis Rotundifolia |
Appearance
Cyrtostylis Rotundifolia is a small and delicate orchid, with a height of around 20 centimeters. Its leaves are round and fleshy, with a glossy green coloration. The flowers of Cyrtostylis Rotundifolia are small, white, and star-shaped, measuring around 1 centimeter in diameter. They have a distinctive spur at the back and bloom in clusters of up to 10 flowers.
Care Guide
To care for Cyrtostylis Rotundifolia, you need to provide it with the right environment. This orchid prefers bright, filtered light, and moist soil. It grows best in a humid environment and needs to be watered regularly. You can fertilize it once a month during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer.Cyrtostylis Rotundifolia is hardy and can adapt to different conditions, but it prefers a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cyrtostylis Rotundifolia is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to fungal infections if the soil is too moist. To prevent this, make sure to water the plant sparingly and avoid getting water on the leaves. Common pests that can affect Cyrtostylis Rotundifolia include spider mites and mealybugs, which can be treated with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Cyrtostylis Rotundifolia is native to Australia and is found in the eastern states of New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. It grows in grasslands, woodlands, and open forests, and prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can also grow in rocky areas and near streams.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Cyrtostylis Rotundifolia?
A: Cyrtostylis Rotundifolia prefers moist soil, but you should avoid overwatering it. Water it once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant period.
Q: Can Cyrtostylis Rotundifolia grow in a terrarium?
A: Yes, Cyrtostylis Rotundifolia can grow in a terrarium as long as it has enough space to grow and is provided with the right environment.
Q: Does Cyrtostylis Rotundifolia need a lot of sunlight?
A: Cyrtostylis Rotundifolia prefers bright, filtered light, but it can also grow in low light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves.
Q: How can I propagate Cyrtostylis Rotundifolia?
A: You can propagate Cyrtostylis Rotundifolia by dividing the tubers in the spring or by sowing the seeds in a well-draining soil mix.
Related Plants
Here are some related orchid species:
- Cyrtostylis Reniformis
- Cyrtostylis Huegelii
- Cyrtostylis Sanguinea
- Cyrtostylis Obtusa
References
- https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/gnp6/cyrtostylis-rotundifolia.html
- https://www.orchidspecies.com/cyrtrotundifolia.htm
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/18879/Cyrtostylis-rotundifolia/Details
