PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Dappled shade or partial sun; avoid direct midday sun to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; use rainwater or distilled water to avoid mineral buildup
Temperature
Hardy to USDA zones 3–8; tolerates cold winter dormancy, prefers cool spring temperatures
Characteristics
- Leaf: Basal rosette of 2–3 oval, glossy green leaves, 5–15 cm long
- Flower: Dense terminal spike of 5–20 pink and white bilabiate flowers, 1–2 cm wide
- Stem: Slender, upright green stem with no stem leaves
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist; mist foliage occasionally to raise humidity
Fertilization
Diluted orchid fertilizer once every 2 weeks. Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer to support bloom development
Composted leaf mold tea：Steep fully composted leaf mold in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to enrich soil humus contentPruning
- Remove spent flower spikes after blooming to redirect energy to root growth
- Trim yellowing basal leaves in early spring to maintain plant health
- Divide overcrowded clumps every 3–4 years in early spring to promote vigorous growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental woodland garden plant; native wildflower conservation
