Photo: Michael BerardozziCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Colenso's sun orchid Plant Care
Thelymitra colensoi Hook.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Thelymitra colensoi, also known as the "Golden Sun Orchid", is a stunning orchid species native to New Zealand. It is popular among plant enthusiasts for its vibrant golden-yellow flowers that resemble a radiant sunburst, making it a standout addition to any garden or collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Colenso's sun orchid?
Water Colenso's sun orchid every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Colenso's sun orchid Native To?
What Is the Colenso's sun orchid?
Colenso's sun orchid (Thelymitra colensoi) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Thelymitra genus. Colenso's sun orchid is native to New Zealand.
Colenso's sun orchid displays a terrestrial, lithophytic growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Colenso's sun orchid produces colorful orchid-like flowers in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Colenso's sun orchid?
Thelymitra colensoi requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Colenso's sun orchid Need?
Colenso's sun orchid thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Colenso's sun orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Colenso's sun orchid Prefer?
Thelymitra colensoi grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Colenso's sun orchid prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Colenso's sun orchid?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Colenso's sun orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Colenso's sun orchid?
Feed Colenso's sun orchid every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Colenso's 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 Colenso's sun orchid?
Colenso's 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 Colenso's sun orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Colenso's 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 Colenso's sun orchid?
Colenso's 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Colenso's sun orchid Need?
Colenso's sun orchid grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. Colenso's sun orchid is native to New Zealand.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8b – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Colenso's 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.
Colenso's 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 colensoi Hook.f., family Orchidaceae (first published in Handb. N. Zeal. Fl. 1: 271 (1864)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Colenso's 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.
- Photo: Michael Berardozzi, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8b – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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