This species has a limited geographic distribution and is known only from the Soutspansberg Mountains in Limpopo Province of South Africa (Stewart et al 2006). It grows on fig trees (Ficus spp.) in shady forests (la Croix & la Croix 1997). It is a compact plant, but it sends out lots of fat roots. Mine is still young and produced only 2 inflorescences, but it can produce an amazing amount of flowers for such a small plant.
I purchased mine from Afri Orchids. Wodrock recommend intermediate to warm temperature an moderately dry winter resting period (water every two weeks for 4 months). My culture isn't like that, and I'm growing it in at the cool-end of intermediate temperature; the max/min daily temperature is 29/18C (84/65F) in the summer and 21/13C (70/55F) in the winter. I water every other day in the summer and every 4-5 days in the winter. It seems to be doing well, but I'll see if more severe dry winter is beneficial. Stewart et al (2006) mentioned that leaves may be absent during the flowering time, but mine doesn't do it maybe due to more mild winter condition. My plant is located in a corner of the growing case, and it receives relatively low light (PPFD of 60 µmol m-2 s-1).
Photos from May 30, 2020.
Literature Cited:
- la Croix, I. and E. la Croix. 1997. African Orchids in the Wild and in Cultivation. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon (p. 255).
- Stewart, J., J. Hermans, B. Campbell. 2006. Angraecoid Orchids - Species from the African Region. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon (p. 339-340)
- Wodrich, K. H. K. 1997. Growing South African Indigenous Orchids. CRC Press. (p. 133 and plate 86).
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