Two Tails—Three Fingers (Tridactyle bicaudata) is a small, epiphytic orchid native to tropical Africa, known for its unique, bifurcated petals resembling tails.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light
75% intensity
Avoid direct midday sun
Allow medium to dry slightly between waterings
50% intensity
Reduce frequency in winter
Orchid mix
50% intensity
Intermediate to warm
75% intensity
Daytime: 20-27°C, Nighttime: 13-18°C
Balanced orchid fertilizer
50% intensity
Dilute and apply during growth season
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Tridactyle bicaudata thoroughly when the potting medium is nearly dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering significantly during the cooler, dormant periods of winter to mimic its natural habitat's drier conditions.
Prune Tridactyle bicaudata only to remove dead or damaged leaves and flower spikes. Do not prune healthy growth, as this plant relies on its existing foliage and pseudobulbs for energy storage and future flowering.
Sterilize pruning tools between cuts.
Propagate Tridactyle bicaudata by division when the plant becomes overcrowded, typically every 2-3 years. Ensure each division has at least 3-4 healthy pseudobulbs and some roots attached.
Pot the divisions in a suitable orchid mix and keep them slightly moist.
Repot Tridactyle bicaudata every 2-3 years, or when the potting medium begins to break down. Use a well-draining orchid mix, such as bark-based media.
Repot after flowering when new root growth is evident, typically in spring, to minimize stress.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Two Tails—three Fingers (Tridactyle bicaudata)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Tridactyle |
| Species | Tridactyle bicaudata |
Similar in genus Tridactyle
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
