Photo: Eamonn CulhaneCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Matthews' Sun Orchid Plant Care
Thelymitra matthewsii Cheeseman
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This striking orchid species is known for its vibrant blue flowers with intricate patterns, originating from the South-west of Western Australia. Plant collectors are drawn to Thelymitra matthewsii for its unique coloration and rarity in cultivation, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Matthews' Sun Orchid?
Water Matthews' Sun Orchid every 7–14 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 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Matthews' Sun Orchid Native To?
What Is the Matthews' Sun Orchid?
Matthews' Sun Orchid (Thelymitra matthewsii) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Thelymitra genus. Matthews' Sun Orchid is native to New Zealand and Australia.
Matthews' Sun Orchid displays a terrestrial, lithophytic growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Matthews' Sun Orchid produces colorful orchid-like flowers in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Matthews' Sun Orchid?
Thelymitra matthewsii requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Matthews' Sun Orchid Need?
Matthews' Sun Orchid thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Matthews' 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 Matthews' Sun Orchid Prefer?
Thelymitra matthewsii grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Matthews' Sun Orchid prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Matthews' Sun Orchid?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Matthews' Sun Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Matthews' Sun Orchid?
Feed Matthews' Sun Orchid every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Matthews' 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 Matthews' Sun Orchid?
Matthews' 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 Matthews' Sun Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Matthews' 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 Matthews' Sun Orchid?
Matthews' 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 Matthews' Sun Orchid Need?
Matthews' Sun Orchid grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Matthews' Sun Orchid is native to New Zealand and Australia. In cooler regions, grow Matthews' Sun Orchid as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Matthews' 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.
Matthews' 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 matthewsii Cheeseman, family Orchidaceae (first published in Trans. & Proc. New Zealand Inst. 43: 177 (1910 publ. 1911)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Matthews' 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: Eamonn Culhane, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 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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