Corybas incurvus - Orchid Board

Andrew · #1 08-07-2011, 08:40 AM

This is a terrestrial species from south eastern Australia. Like other Corybas, it grows in moist, sheltered situations. In cultivation, flowering plants need to be kept humid and protected from strong winds to prevent the flowers from collapsing.

Corybas incurvus

fishmommy · #2 08-07-2011, 09:07 AM

OMG! that is totally adorable!
Nice growing!

What does it like for temperatures and light levels? How about air movement needs? I am wondering if I can grow it in a terrarium...

Andrew · #3 08-07-2011, 09:54 AM

Fishmommy,
There's climate data for my area on the following site:
Climate statistics for Australian locations.

In the wild they grow in moist situations protected by surrounding vegetation and leaf litter so they need low light (~80% shade) and high humidity. They die down to a tuber in summer and need to be kept barely damp at this time. If you can give them the seasonal variation in temperature and water, they should grow well in a terrarium.

However, you may have problems finding this species in the USA. I understand that Corybas are like hens teeth in the US.

Paul · #4 08-07-2011, 10:05 AM

Those are awesome little guys, Andrew!

FM, my understanding is that these are cool to cold growers which could make them very challenging to grow in a home I imagine.

WhiteRabbit · #5 08-07-2011, 04:42 PM

ohmygosh! those are amazing! love them! good growing!

Goods14 · #6 08-07-2011, 04:51 PM

Yes, Andrew's right. Corybas are incredibly hard to find in the U.S. I got a Corybas geminigibbus a few years ago, but that's all I have been able to find. Mine grows well intermediate to warm with extremely high humidity and very low air movement, but I have one of the Asian species. I'm not familiar with the culture of Australian species of this genus.

Cool little plant you have there, Andrew!

Andrew · #7 08-07-2011, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul

Those are awesome little guys, Andrew!

FM, my understanding is that these are cool to cold growers which could make them very challenging to grow in a home I imagine.

Yes, these need temperate/seasonal conditions. Ideally you'd give them warm conditions summer, intermedate-cool conditions in spring and autumn and cool-cold condtions in winter. If you can meet these conditions, they'll be fine. If you can't keep them cool enough in winter, Asian species like the Corybas geminigibbus that Goods14 mentioned might be more appropriate and probably easier to get hold of. Personally, from the photos I've seen, I think the Asian species are more attractive as well.