PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Bright dappled or indirect light; avoid harsh midday summer sun to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top 2 cm of growing medium dries; avoid standing water around roots
Temperature
Thrives in cool temperate conditions; tolerates light frost down to 5°C during winter dormancy
Characteristics
- Leaf: Basal rosette of 3–5 oblong, fleshy green leaves; upper stem leaves reduced to papery bracts
- Flower: Dense terminal spike of 5–10 maroon-brown, tongue-shaped blooms with a prominent curved lip
- Stem: Slender, smooth green stem with sheathing bracts along its length
Care Guide
Watering
Keep growing medium evenly moist during active growth
Fertilization
Diluted balanced orchid feed every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn
Composted banana peel tea：Compost banana peels for 2 weeks, steep in water, dilute 1:20 before applying as a root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent mold growthPruning
- Remove spent flower spikes after blooming to redirect energy to root growth
- Trim yellowed basal leaves in early spring to tidy the plant
- Thin overcrowded clumps every 2–3 years to improve airflow and reduce competition
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental woodland garden plant; cultivated for unique tongue-shaped blooms
