Growing Crucifix Orchids

They get their name, Crucifix orchid, as their flower lip is shaped like a cross. They truly are a plant that will damage with love and affection. Although, not fond of frost or being waterlogged. They flourish in low nutrient soil or up in tree branches with just leaf litter for nutrients or rockeries or between rocks. During the active warmer growing months in spring to autumn, a liquid feed will produce more flowers and a denser foliage.  If you live in a warmer climate and you want to put on a show, then liquid feed year-round. They have long canes and flower from terminals, with thick rubbery leaves and only produce flowers on the canes produced that year.

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The flowers come in an array of colours.  The newer varieties can have larger leaves and flowers and prefer part sun, but the old-world varieties are tougher and can take full sun but usually have smaller flowers and leaves. If used as a pot plant, always plant into a chunky orchid mix like Searles Orchid Mix and have a stake or support for the canes that can grow up to 1m.

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They have few pests and the more you ignore them the happier the plant.  So when you think orchids are difficult to grow, try a crucifix orchid and you will be pleasantly surprised.

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