Goodyera repens
Goodyera repens · Orchidaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant goodyera repens: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen, velvety and veined
- Flowering
- Summer (July-September)
- Adult size
- 4 to 8 inches in height
- Growth
- Slow
- Hardiness
- Not very hardy, prefers temperate climates
- Origin
- Wooded regions of Eurasia
- Soil type
- Acidic, rich in organic matter, well-draining
Care
Light and exposure
Your creeping goodyer thrives in partial shade or full shade, just as it would under forest canopy. Avoid direct sunlight, which would scorch its delicate foliage. A location with filtered, consistent light is ideal for maintaining leaf coloration.
Watering
Keep the substrate lightly moist at all times, never waterlogged. Water with rainwater or distilled water if possible, as this orchid appreciates purity. In winter, reduce watering slightly.
Substrate and soil
Use a very airy mix: fine pine bark, sphagnum moss, charcoal, and decomposed fallen leaves. The substrate should remain acidic (pH 4.5 to 5.5) and rich in organic matter. Excellent drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
Apply a highly diluted orchid-specific fertilizer once a month during the growing period (spring-summer). Prefer balanced formulas or those slightly rich in nitrogen. Stop fertilizing in autumn and winter.
Pruning and cleaning
No pruning is necessary; this orchid is a creeper cultivated for its ornamental foliage and delicate flowers. Simply remove spent flower spikes and dead leaves to maintain good health.
Diseases and pests
Watch out for root rot caused by overwatering or non-draining substrate. Spider mites and mealybugs may appear in overly dry environments. If problems occur, improve ventilation and mist with clear water.
Did you know?
The creeping goodyer takes its name from English botanist John Goodyear. Its evergreen leaves are beautifully veined in white or silver, resembling natural embroidery patterns. In forests, it grows in dense carpets at the base of trees, where its tiny cream-white flowers discretely attract pollinators.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Chinese ground orchidBletilla striata
- Moth orchidPhalaenopsis amabilis
- Spotted orchidDactylorhiza maculata
- Lesser twaybladeNeottia ovata
- Broad-leaved helleborineEpipactis helleborine
- Western Marsh-orchidDactylorhiza majalis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.