Small-flowered Tongue Orchid (Serapias parviflora)

🌱

☀️

Sunlight Bright indirect or dappled sunlight; avoid harsh midday direct sun to prevent leaf scorching

💧

Watering Keep growing medium consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid allowing the substrate to dry out completely

🌡️

Temperature Thrives in cool to temperate conditions; tolerates light frost down to 5°C in dormant periods

🔍

Leaf: Basal rosette of 3–5 oblong, fleshy green leaves; stem leaves reduced to sheathing bracts
Flower: Dense spike of 5–15 small, reddish-brown to purple blooms with a distinct tongue-shaped labellum
Stem: Slender, green to purplish upright stem with overlapping bracts

🛠️

Watering

Keep substrate evenly moist; mist lightly to maintain ambient humidity during warm spells

Fertilization

Diluted balanced orchid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Cease fertilization in autumn and winter during dormancy to avoid nutrient buildup

Composted banana peel tea：Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to avoid nutrient burn

Pruning

Remove spent flower spikes at the base after blooming to redirect energy to root and foliage growth
Trim yellowing basal leaves at the base to maintain plant health and reduce disease risk
Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve airflow and reduce nutrient competition

⚠️

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats

Humans: No documented toxicity to humans

📖

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental wild orchid for native plant gardens and pollinator-friendly landscapes