Pointed Sun Orchid Plant Care
Thelymitra apiculata (A.S.George) M.A.Clem. & D.L.Jones
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Thelymitra apiculata, commonly called Cleopatra's needles, is a species of orchid in the family Orchidaceae and endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It has a single erect, curved, dark green leaf with a purplish base and up to twelve purplish flowers with darker blotches and golden yellow edges.
Bright indirect light
At a glance
How do you care for Pointed Sun Orchid?
Pointed Sun Orchid grows best in bright indirect light.
Where Is the Pointed Sun Orchid Native To?
What Is the Pointed Sun Orchid?
Pointed Sun Orchid (Thelymitra apiculata) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Thelymitra genus. Pointed Sun Orchid is native to the south-west of Western Australia.
Pointed Sun Orchid displays a terrestrial, lithophytic growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Pointed Sun Orchid produces colorful orchid-like flowers in various shades.
What Light Does the Pointed Sun Orchid Need?
Pointed Sun Orchid thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Pointed Sun Orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pointed Sun Orchid?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Pointed Sun Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Pointed Sun 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 Pointed Sun Orchid?
Pointed Sun Orchid can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sun orchid plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Pointed Sun Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Pointed Sun 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 Pointed Sun Orchid?
Pointed Sun 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
Pointed Sun 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 Thelymitra genus — compare its care with other Thelymitra species on PlantoScan.
Thelymitra is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Pointed Sun Orchid thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Thelymitra Species
Other Thelymitra species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Thelymitra apiculata (A.S.George) M.A.Clem. & D.L.Jones, family Orchidaceae (first published in Austral. Orchid Res. 1: 137 (1989)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pointed Sun 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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