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Description
Pterostylis Auriculata, commonly known as the ‘Leafy Greenhood,’ is a species of orchid native to Australia. It belongs to the Orchidaceae family and is a terrestrial orchid. The plant was first described by Robert Brown in 1810. The plant has a single leaf that can grow up to 20 cm long and 4 cm wide. The leaf is green, and the plant produces a single flower.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Pterostylis |
| Species | Auriculata |
Appearance
The Leafy Greenhood plant has a single green leaf that grows up to 20 cm long and 4 cm wide. The plant produces a single flower that can grow up to 3 cm long. The flower is greenish-brown and has a hood-like shape. The lip of the flower has a yellowish-green color and can be seen at the front of the flower. The flowering period for this plant is from August to October.
Care Guide
Water: Pterostylis Auriculata requires watering once a week during the growing season. During the dormant season, reduce watering to once every two weeks.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with an orchid-specific fertilizer.Soil: The plant requires well-draining soil with good aeration. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and bark is ideal.Sunlight: The plant prefers filtered sunlight or partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Pterostylis Auriculata can be grown in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pterostylis Auriculata is susceptible to pests such as spider mites and mealybugs. Diseases such as root rot and fungal infections can also affect the plant. Regular inspection of the plant and proper care can prevent these issues.
Habitat
Pterostylis Auriculata is native to Australia and can be found in the eastern part of the country. The plant grows in open forests, woodlands, and heathlands. It prefers well-draining soils and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Pterostylis Auriculata easy to care for?
A: Yes, it is relatively easy to care for as long as you provide it with the right conditions.Q: Can I grow Pterostylis Auriculata indoors?
A: Yes, you can grow it indoors as long as it receives proper light and humidity.Q: How often should I fertilize Pterostylis Auriculata?
A: Once a month during the growing season is sufficient.Q: Can Pterostylis Auriculata tolerate full sun?
A: No, it prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight.
Related Plants
– Pterostylis Banksii- Pterostylis Curta- Pterostylis Coccinea- Pterostylis Nana
References
– “Pterostylis Auriculata.” Australian National Botanic Gardens. Accessed 27 September 2021. https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2007/pterostylis-auriculata.html- “Pterostylis Auriculata.” PlantNet. Accessed 27 September 2021. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Pterostylis~auriculata
