Cryptostylis spp.
tongue orchid
Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific
Overview
Cryptostylis spp. is a genus of about 20 terrestrial orchids, the tongue orchids, native to Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific islands. Most species grow from a cluster of fleshy roots and carry one to several upright, leathery leaves on long stalks, though one Australian species is leafless. The flower spike rises 8-24 inches (20-60 cm) tall and bears several non-resupinate flowers, held with the broad, often reddish or greenish labellum uppermost, which gives the tongue-orchid name. The narrow sepals and petals are thread-like and inconspicuous beside the prominent tongue-shaped lip. Several Australian species are pollinated by male ichneumon wasps through sexual deception, the flowers mimicking the female wasp closely enough to draw attempted mating. The genus grows in moist forest, heath, and woodland, often in shaded, humus-rich soils. In cultivation tongue orchids are grown by terrestrial-orchid specialists in shaded, free-draining mixes with a fungal partner, and they are slow and exacting to establish from seed.
Native Range
Cryptostylis spp. is native to Australia, Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and the Pacific islands, with the greatest number of species in eastern Australia. It grows in moist eucalypt forest, rainforest margins, heath, and woodland on shaded, humus-rich soils.Suggested Uses
Cryptostylis spp. is grown by terrestrial-orchid enthusiasts in shaded pots and orchid houses, and it features in displays of native Australian orchids. In the wild it is part of the ground flora of moist forest and heath. The wasp-pollinated species are also studied as examples of sexual deception in plants.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Bloom Information
Flowering is mostly in spring and summer, broadly October to February in Australia, varying with species and rainfall. The spike opens several flowers in succession over many weeks. Pollination of several species depends on male ichneumon wasps drawn by the flowers, so seed set is tied to local wasp activity.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
reddish to greenishFoliage Description
dark green, often purple beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Cryptostylis spp. grows in shaded to partly shaded positions in moist, humus-rich, free-draining soil and depends on a soil fungus for germination and growth. The leafy species keep their foliage year-round and resent drying out, while steady moisture and high humidity suit them through the growing season. Heavy, waterlogged, or sun-baked soils are unsuitable and lead to rot or scorch. In cultivation the orchids need a specialist terrestrial mix, shade, and an intact fungal partnership, and they are slow to establish. Plants resent disturbance once settled and are left undisturbed where they grow. Seed-raising is difficult and is usually left to experienced growers.Pruning
Tongue orchids need no pruning. Spent flower spikes can be removed once flowering ends and any seed has set or been collected. Old or yellowing leaves are cleared as they die back naturally.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons