PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Bright indirect to partial direct sunlight; avoid intense midday summer sun to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top 2 cm of substrate is dry; ensure excellent drainage to avoid root rot
Temperature
Thrives in cool to temperate temperatures; tolerates brief light frosts during its winter dormant period
Characteristics
- Leaf: Basal rosette of 3–6 oblong, fleshy, pale green leaves, up to 30 cm long
- Flower: Dense spike of 10–20 large, greenish-brown blooms with a long, tongue-like labellum mimicking a fly
- Stem: Erect, sturdy green stem with sheathing bracts below the flower spike
Care Guide
Watering
Keep substrate evenly moist during active growth and blooming
Fertilization
Diluted balanced orchid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Use a fertilizer formulated for terrestrial orchids to avoid nutrient burn
Eggshell powder top-dress：Grind clean, dried eggshells to a fine powder; dust lightly on the soil surface to boost calcium levels and maintain alkaline pHPruning
- Remove spent flower spikes after blooming to redirect energy to root and leaf growth
- Trim yellowing basal leaves during the winter dormant period to reduce fungal risk
- Divide overcrowded clumps in early spring before new growth emerges to maintain plant health
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No documented toxicity to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental wild orchid for native plant gardens and specialized orchid collections
