Cynorkis villosa selfing #5120.15 ('5563') (approximately 15 seedlings per flask).

The Species: This is found on the eastern side of Madagascar at elevations from 3300 to 4000 ft where it grow as a terrestrial and sometimes as a epiphyte in humid forests. It receives a dry rest in the winter months and is deciduous during that time. I find it a lot easier to grow than many other dry rest terrestrials. It is a moderately sized plant with intricate and amazing flowers that open successively over a period of time with 25 to 50% open at the same time.

Culture: I grow this in intermediate. It has done best in NZ sphagnum moss in a terra cotta pot. I have tested some of the seedlings in a variety of mixes and it seems to do well in a terrestrial mix and also in a fine bark mix if it is in growth when planted. Plant the tuber (or swollen root) below the surface of the medium. When leaves are green and growing, water and fertilize regularly, don't keep it soaking wet, but don't let it dry out. After flower, the leaves will begin to die down and water should be withheld until new growth is initiated in the spring. I will mist the surface lightly during the dry season so it keeps a bit of humidity but have also let them go quite dry during this period and still had them come up. I have found they do very well for me when deflasked while in growth.

Cynorkis villosa 'Vistamont'. This is in the parentage of the plant used for this cross.