Corybas ecarinatus (Helmet Orchid) 5 Plant/tuber

Corybas ecarinatus 5 plant/tuber

🌿 Cultivation Guidelines for Corybas ecarinatus (Helmet Orchid)

1. Growing Conditions

• Light: Low to medium light; dappled shade similar to a forest floor. Avoid direct sunlight.

• Temperature: Cool to intermediate range; ideally 15–25°C (59–77°F).

• Humidity: High humidity (~70–90%) is crucial.

• Airflow: Gentle air movement helps prevent fungal diseases.

2. Soil/Substrate

• Use a very well-draining mix mimicking forest floor:

  • Fine bark

  • Sphagnum moss

  • Leaf litter

  • Perlite or pumice for drainage

⚠️ Do not use regular potting soil — it retains too much water and causes rot.

3. Watering

• Keep the medium moist but not soggy during the growing season.

• Allow a slight drying period in the dormant phase (usually summer or winter, depending on species).

4. Potting

• Use shallow pots or trays.

• Plant the tubers just under the surface.

• Avoid disturbing the roots/tubers once planted.

5. Dormancy

• Most Corybas species go dormant for part of the year.

• During dormancy:

  • Reduce watering

  • Keep the pot in a cool, dry, shaded area

  • Do not fertilize

6. Propagation

• Typically via tuber division (after dormancy)

• Seed propagation is possible, but difficult — it requires a mycorrhizal fungus for germination.

7. Fertilizer

• Very diluted orchid fertilizer (¼ strength), once per month during active growth only.