About
A clump-forming terrestrial orchid to 60cm tall with broadly linear leaves to 20cm long and a plentiful number of white flowers, scented of vanilla and jasmine, about 1cm long with a yellow mark on the lip, arranged spirally on spikes to 65cm tall, appearing from late summer until autumn.
About the genus
Spiranthes are small terrestrial or epiphytic orchids with tuberous roots and basal rosettes of papery or fleshy rounded leaves. Spiral racemes with tiny white flowers are borne along upright stems
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesContainers, conservatories, houseplants.
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationPlant this frost hardy cultivar outdoors when dormant in moist, fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in a sheltered spot with part shade and provide a deep, dry winter mulch in frosty areas. If grown under glass use terrestrial orchid compost and locate in bright filtered light, water freely in the growing season and use orchid fertiliser every third watering; keep dry and frost free when dormant
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division of tubers when dormant; plantlets form in winter on root tips and can be removed when manageable
Pest resistanceSusceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite if grown under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant