Overview

Polystachya affinis is a plant with a creeping habit in the genus Polystachya, part of the Orchidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Polystachya affinis grows best in full shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include terrariums and vivariums.

About

Polystachya affinis is a creeping orchid cultivar from the Polystachya genus, known for its deciduous foliage. It thrives in full shade, particularly in north-facing, sheltered spots, and prefers fertile, well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Suitable for terrariums and vivariums, it is hardy to UK zone H3. This cultivar is of interest during spring and summer and can be propagated by division, stem cuttings, or seed.

About the genus

Polystachya, abbreviated Pol in horticultural trade, and commonly known as yellowspike orchid, is a flowering plant genus in the orchid family (Orchidaceae). This rather distinctive genus was described by William Jackson Hooker in 1824 and is the type genus of the subtribe Polystachyinae. It contains about 100 species widespread across many of the tropical areas of the world.

Wikipedia contributors, "Polystachya", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polystachya

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Polystachya

Sunlight

Full shade

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

North-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H3

Plant details

Polystachya affinis size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Creeping

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Terrariums, vivariums

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Polystachya affinis

Propagation

Division, stem cuttings, seed

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions