Help! I can't find Thelymitra formosa! Sun Orchid.

[zachkent29]

Hello all,

I recently came across a photo of a stunning orchid I'd never seen before, I fell in love with it. The only thing is, I can't find one anywhere to buy. I've looked online, locally, everywhere. Could someone point me in the right direction?

Here's the information I've found..

Thelymitra formosa-Sun Orchid
I've read that they're found naturally in New Zealand. Here's the website I first found it at, it's the 2nd one on the top row.

Sun Orchids 1 - New Zealand (NZ) Native Orchids ( Thelymitra )

[ronaldhanko]

If I am not mistaken you are having trouble finding this because it is impossible to cultivate as are many other terrestrial orchids. It is also rare and endangered in many areas and the combination of the two things means that it is most unlikely that you are going to find it offered for sale anywhere or that you would be able to grow it if you did find it.

[zachkent29]

You may be right, does anyone know of an orchid with similar aesthetics?

[lambelkip]

There are a number of terrestrial orchids in cultivation. You might be able to find Thelymitra nuda for sale if you look long and hard enough.
A few of us are trying to put together an order to import some things from Australia. I believe a notice will be posted on this forum in November, since that's when many of the terrestrials are dormant, and we will know what's available.

[Bud]

Its a beautiful flower...a terrestrial...very hard to grow as Ron says and its rare, chances are its not allowed to harvest it from the wild. It looks like a very tiny delicate plant. I am scared to even go near it. I might kill it LOL

[zachkent29]

Kip-That would be awesome, I will definitively be on the look out for that!

Anyone else who knows of someone growing these terrestrials stateside, please let me know!

[glengary54]

zachkent - Have you look at our native Calopogon tuberosus, it's not exactly what you want but it has some of the same characteristics as the one you are looking for and it is readily available.

[Dima]

To add to Glen's post, you may also take a look at Calanthe sylvatica, Spathoglottis plicata, and Bletilla striata. All three species are quite color-variable, either naturally or by human selection; so you may well find a form that you like. They need different conditions though, so check what you can and cannot grow.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Many terrestrial orchids can be difficult to cultivate, while others are very easy. It really depends on what you're looking at.

However...

From what I understand, Thelymitras are not necessarily the easiest terrestrial orchids to grow. The reason being is that they don't really produce a whole lot of roots per plant (probably less than 5 roots per plant). If you damage one root, it'll be hurtin'. I've also read that the underground tuberoids can also be prone to rot, particularly if they're kept either too warm, or if they're grown too wet during dormancy. Then there's the issue of how dependent each species of Thelymitra is on their mycorrhizal fungi.

If I'm not mistaken, dormancy is during the summer. Active growth occurs in the winters. But do remember our summer is Australia's winter.

Unfortunately, if you have any further questions regarding cultural needs and such, I cannot answer many of your questions as I don't have personal firsthand experience with this group of orchids myself.



And yes, there is some interest to form a group order for Australian native terrestrials. From what I know, they will all be from cultivated or tissue cultured stock.

There should be a list of Thelymitras available in Nov. There will most likely be both species and hybrids on the availability list, I'm not 100% sure quite yet.

Thelymitra formosa will most likely not be on the list.

Thelymitra nuda or Thelymitra pauciflora may be, again idk yet.



They will also not be from the US - be aware of this. There are costs that will be incurred aside from the cost of the plants themselves. If you are serious about Thelymitras, you may send me a private message and ask about the costs.

As an fyi - the costs I'm referring to will go into CITES and phyto permits, as well as shipping and handling costs. I don't make any money off of these costs, btw. I can offer proof of what the actual costs are once the list of availability arrives. They will not be cheap, hence the initiative for a group order. If there are any complaints about these extra costs, please take it up with the Australian government.

From what I've gathered no one in the US sells Thelymitra spp.