PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Partial shade to dappled sunlight; avoid intense direct midday sun to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid allowing the root zone to dry out completely
Temperature
Tolerates cool spring temperatures; protect from hard frost during winter dormancy
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oval to lanceolate leaves with dark purple spots, arranged in a basal rosette and along the stem
- Flower: Dense terminal spike of small, pink-purple flowers with a three-lobed lip
- Stem: Slender, upright green stem with fine hairs near the base
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain steady moisture; water when top 1 cm of soil feels dry
Fertilization
Diluted orchid fertilizer once every 2 weeks. Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer to avoid burning sensitive roots
Composted eggshell powder：Mix a small amount of finely ground, fully dried eggshell powder into the topsoil to boost soil structure and calcium content; avoid overapplication to prevent pH imbalancePruning
- Deadhead spent flower spikes after blooming to redirect energy to root and tuber growth
- Remove yellowing basal leaves in early spring to improve airflow
- Trim back dead foliage completely after winter dormancy to prepare for new growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental wildflower for meadow gardens; sometimes used in native plant restoration projects
