Butterfly Orchids

Butterfly Orchids Care

Platanthera Bifolia

What is the plant

Platanthera bifolia is a perential growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is hardy to zone (UK) 6. It is in flower from May to July. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. The Lesser and Greater Butterfly Orchids are very difficult to tell apart being similar in size despite their common names which would suggest otherwise. Growing to between 20-30cm tall this orchid has two narrow leaves at the base of the plant with several more small bract-like leaves higher up the stem. The inflorescence is cylindrical when full open and each one carries up to 25 flower.

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Shade

Temperature

15°C - 32°C

Hardiness zone

7 - 8

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Avoid over watering as this can lead to root rot. Position your orchid in a bright windowsill facing east or west.
Pruning
After the flowers drop from the orchid you have three choices: leave the flower spike (or stem) intact, cut it back to a node. Withered stems won’t produce flowers. Removing the stem will direct the +plant’s energy toward root development, which makes for a healthier plant and increased chances for new bloom spikes.
Fertilizer
Fertilize regularly. A fertilizing routine is just as important as a watering routine. Anita recommends feeding orchids with water-soluble fertilizer that's formulated for orchids. Mix at the rate recommended on the package.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Sun/Part Shade.
Soil
Grow well in most garden soil as long as it drains well.
Temperature
60-80°F (16-27°C).

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Container
A container that is about one-third as tall as the plant (measured from the soil line to the highest leaf) often works best.
Popularity
619 people already have this plant 124 people have added this plant to their wishlists