PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Dappled or bright indirect sunlight; avoid harsh midday direct sun to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Keep growing medium evenly moist but not waterlogged; allow the top 1 cm of substrate to dry between waterings
Temperature
Thrives in cool to temperate conditions; tolerates light frost down to 5°C during winter dormancy
Characteristics
- Leaf: Basal rosette of 3–5 linear, pale green leaves that wither before flowering
- Flower: Dense terminal spike of 5–12 brownish-purple blooms with a curved, tongue-shaped lip
- Stem: Erect, slender green stem with small leaf-like bracts subtending each flower
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain consistent moisture during active growth to support flowering
Fertilization
Diluted balanced orchid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Use a fertilizer formulated for terrestrial orchids to avoid nutrient burn
Composted banana peel tea：Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to support flower development; avoid raw peels to prevent mold growthPruning
- Remove spent flower spikes after blooming to redirect energy to underground tuber growth
- Trim yellowing basal leaves during winter dormancy to reduce fungal risk
- Thin overcrowded offsets in early spring to improve airflow and nutrient uptake
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats
Humans: No documented toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental orchid for woodland gardens, rock gardens, or indoor container cultivation
