PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Bright indirect or dappled sunlight; tolerates partial shade in natural bog habitats
Watering
Keep substrate consistently moist to mimic natural bog conditions; avoid complete drying
Temperature
Hardy to USDA zones 3–7; withstands mild winter frost, prefers cool growing temperatures
Characteristics
- Leaf: Single linear basal leaf, emerging after flowering, up to 20 cm long
- Flower: Solitary showy pink bloom with a fringed lip resembling a dragon's mouth, 3–5 cm wide
- Stem: Slender, unbranched green stem bearing a single terminal flower
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain constant moisture using rainwater or distilled water to avoid mineral buildup
Fertilization
Diluted low-nitrogen orchid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Use fertilizer diluted to half strength to prevent root burn in sensitive bog soil
Composted black tea leaves：Mix fully composted spent black tea leaves into the top 2 cm of substrate; avoid raw leaves to prevent mold growthPruning
- Remove spent flower stems after blooming to direct energy to bulb growth
- Trim yellowing foliage in late autumn to maintain plant health
- Divide overcrowded clumps in early spring when dormant to promote new growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No known toxicity to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental wetland garden plant; native wildflower conservation species
