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.
Avoid over watering as this can lead to root rot. Position your orchid in a bright windowsill facing east or west.
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.
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.
A container that is about one-third as tall as the plant (measured from the soil line to the highest leaf) often works best.
