Lesser butterfly-orchid
Platanthera bifolia
The lesser butterfly-orchid is a delicate terrestrial orchid that requires well-drained, nutrient-poor, calcareous soil and dappled light to thrive. It depends on specific mycorrhizal fungi in the soil and does not transplant easily, making it very challenging to grow outside its native habitat. Best appreciated in conservation meadows or specialist orchid gardens rather than typical home settings.
Care Level
High
Sun
Partial Shade
Water
Moderate
Growth Rate
Moderate
Mature Height
12″ – 36″
Soil
loam
Life Cycle
Perennial
Spacing
8″
Watering Schedule
Every 5-7 Days During Growing Season • Keep Soil Consistently Moist But Never Waterlogged; Reduce Watering During Dormancy
Soil pH
7 – 7.5
Temperature
-50° – 85°F
Mature Spread
up to 24″
Root Depth
Medium
Foliage
Medium
Propagation: Seed
Native to
Attracts
Sources
Data: trefle, usda
Image: trefle.io — Taken May 15, 2019 by Marie-Claude Deboin (cc-by-sa)
No nurseries currently have this species in stock.