Elastic Hammer Orchid Plant Care
Drakaea elastica Lindl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Drakaea elastica, commonly known as glossy-leaved hammer orchid or praying virgin is a species of orchid endemic to the south–west of Western Australia. It is similar to other hammer orchids in that it is pollinated by a single species of male thynnid wasp using sexual deception.
Filtered sunlight
At a glance
How do you care for Elastic Hammer Orchid?
Elastic Hammer Orchid grows best in filtered sunlight.
Where Is the Elastic Hammer Orchid Native To?
What Is the Elastic Hammer Orchid?
Elastic Hammer Orchid (Drakaea elastica) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Drakaea genus. Elastic Hammer Orchid is native to the south–west of Western Australia.
Elastic Hammer Orchid displays a ground orchid growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Elastic Hammer Orchid produces unique, intricate orchid flowers.
What Light Does the Elastic Hammer Orchid Need?
Elastic Hammer Orchid thrives in filtered sunlight. Avoid placing Elastic Hammer Orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered sunlight
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Elastic Hammer Orchid?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Elastic Hammer Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Elastic Hammer Orchid?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Elastic Hammer Orchid?
Elastic Hammer Orchid can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to andrews' hammer orchid plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Elastic Hammer Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Elastic Hammer Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Elastic Hammer Orchid?
Elastic Hammer Orchid is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Elastic Hammer Orchid is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Drakaea genus — compare its care with other Drakaea species on PlantoScan.
Drakaea is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Elastic Hammer Orchid produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
More Drakaea Species
Other Drakaea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Drakaea elastica Lindl., family Orchidaceae (first published in Sketch Veg. Swan R. : 56 (1840)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Elastic Hammer Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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