Thelymitra megacalyptra from imported seed #6189 (approximately 25 seedlings per flask). I expect these to be available in the fall of 2024 when the summer dormant tubers begin to sprout in the flask.

Species: This species is endemic to eastern Australia and is known as the "sun orchid.” The flowers can be from 1 to 2" wide and have 1 to 6 flowers. It is usually a blue to purple color but can be also be lilac, pink or white. If you want to see a wide variety of color forms, click here. It has been suggested to me that the color may be dependent on the ph of the soil. It is a terrestrial species and has distinct dry period that must be observed. The flowers close at night and apparently don’t open until the temperature is 72F. The species blooms in the spring/summer and are fully dormant during the summer. 

Culture: It is recommended to grow this in full sun. The summer dormant period should be dry. Begin watering when the leaves emerge in the fall. I have read that in the winter, they can withstand temperatues close to freezing. Begin to reduce watering when in bloom and then shift to dry conditions. The substrate should be free draining and acidic. Potting mixes I have read about range from 95% peat moss with 5% silica sand, to 75% perlite and 25% peat moss with a pinch of bone meal. I’ve read others who think peat moss is too water retententive so your watering habits should be taken in to account. Others recommend an inorganic mix of akadama and kanuma and possibly some turface. When choosing a potting medium, keep in mind that it is advised to avoid keeping newly deflasked seedlings too damp. These are not heavy feeders, so dilute fertilizer is recommended. 

I do not have images of the parents of these seedings, so show two of the Thelymitra megacalyptra that my friend Ron Parsons photographed in situ in Australia.