Read more of cultivation of Cynorkis fastigiata Thouars,
Light:
2000-3000 fc. Light should be filtered or diffused. Strong air movement should be provided at all times. Growers report that these plants will adapt to even brighter conditions, but they will burn if strong air movement is not provided.
Temperatures:
Summer days average 77-78F (25-26C), and nights average 65-66F (19C), with a diurnal range of 12F (7C). Because of the range in habitat elevation, these plants should adapt to conditions 6-8F (3-4C) warmer or cooler than indicated.
Humidity:
80-85% year-round.
Water:
Rainfall is very heavy most of the year with a somewhat drier period in spring. Plants should be watered heavily while actively growing, but drainage must be excellent and the roots should be able to dry rapidly after watering. Conditions around the roots should never become stale or soggy.
Fertilizer:
1/4-1/2 recommended strength, applied weekly when plants are actively growing. Many growers prefer to use a balanced fertilizer throughout the year; but others use a high-nitrogen fertilizer from spring to midsummer, and then switch to one high in phosphates in late summer and autumn.
Rest period:
Winter days average 67-69F (19-21C), and nights average 56-58F (14-15C), with a diurnal range of 10-12F (6C). Growers are reminded that because of the range in habitat elevation, these plants should adapt to conditions 6-8F (3-4C) warmer or cooler than indicated. Rainfall in the habitat is somewhat lower in spring, but there is not an actual dry season. Water may be reduced somewhat in winter for cultivated plants, particularly those grown in the dark, short-day conditions common in temperate latitudes. They should never dry out completely, however. Fertilizer should be reduced or eliminated when water is reduced.
Growing media:
For Cynorkis species in general, Hawkes (1965) reported, "These orchids are best grown in rather shallow, perfectly drained pots or pans, filled with a porous compost of shredded osmunda, fibrous loam, gritty sand, and chopped sphagnum moss. Most of the Cynorkis have somewhat tuberous roots, and are at least partially deciduous. Although they require quantities of water while in active growth, when the foliage starts to become yellow and wither, moisture should be virtually stopped. Care must be taken, however, that the compost never dries out completely, or the tuber may become overly desiccated. When the new shoots again appear at the surface, water should be resumed. A semi-shaded spot suits them well, they benefit by periodic applications of fertilizer, and warm temperatures should prevail at all times. Should the potting medium become stale, the plants should be repotted in fresh compost at once, since they are very intolerant of sour conditions at the roots."
References:
De la Bathie, H., and H. Humbert. [1939, 1941] 1981. Flora of Madagascar 1-2. The Government of Madagascar and the National Museum of Natural History, Paris. Translated and published in 1 vol., Steven D. Beckman, 621 Palm Ave., Lodi, CA, U.S.A. 95240. Du Puy, D., P. Cribb, J. Bosser, and J. and C. Hermans. 1999. The Orchids of Madagascar. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, England. Hamilton, R. 1988. When does it flower? 2nd ed. Robert M. Hamilton, 9211 Beckwith Road, Richmond, B. C., Canada V6X 1V7. Kew Data Base. 2008. http.//apps.kew.org/wcsp/home.do
This information is quoted from a Charles and Margaret Baker culture sheet, with permission from Troy Meyers
