Pecteilis sagarikii - the duck orchid

[prem]

Pecteilis sagarikii is a relative of Habenaria that hails from southeast Asia. Like other members of the Habenaria group, it dies back in winter time to an underground tuber. Grown warm and wet when not dormant, it should remain much drier (but not bone dry) and still warm during the winter time. New growth will emerge in late spring, to bloom anywhere from late summer to early fall. Following blooming, the plant will keep the aboveground portion alive until right around Christmas time, at which time the aboveground portion will rapidly dry up and die.

Once the old growth has completely dried up and died, it can be clipped down to the soil level. Repotting of the fuzzy, potato-like tuber(s) should be done at this time.

The flowers are about 2 inches from top to bottom (not including the spur)...some variants are supposedly fragrant...mine is not. They have a nice crystalline texture to them...and yes, the lip is really that yellow.

Pecteilis sagarikii, entire spike


Pecteilis sagarikii, closeup


Enjoy!

---Prem

[Heather]

That's a cool one, Prem!


(Quack Quack! )

[prem]

If anyone is interested, I believe Hoosier Orchids carries them, although they're not on their catalog listing. It's best to call personally to inquire about not-so-common orchids that a vendor may or may not have.

BTW, here's a photo of the entire plant. It's in a clay pot with a 50/50 mix of off-the-shelf peaty potting soil and perlite.



---Prem

[PAGrower]

Fascinating, as always.