Lesser Twayblade
Neottia cordata · Orchidaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant lesser twayblade: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Type
- Herbaceous orchid
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- May to June
- Mature size
- 15 to 30 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (zone 3-8)
- Natural habitat
- Wet forests and peatlands of boreal Europe and Asia
- Growth
- Slow
Care
Light and location
The heart-leaved twayblade prefers partial shade or full shade, mimicking its natural forest environment. Place it in a cool, sheltered location, away from direct afternoon sunlight. It thrives in woodlands or shaded garden borders.
Soil and substrate
This orchid requires soil rich in organic matter, well-drained but consistently moist, slightly acidic. Enrich the soil with leaf compost or peat to recreate peatland conditions. Avoid stagnant water, which causes rhizome rot.
Watering
Keep the soil moist during the growing season (spring-summer), especially during prolonged dry spells. In autumn and winter, reduce watering but don't let the substrate dry out completely. Preferably use soft water or rainwater.
Fertilizing
This wild plant needs little fertilizer. A light application of diluted orchid fertilizer in spring at the start of vegetative growth is sufficient. Prefer low-nitrogen formulas to avoid excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and cleaning
No pruning is necessary. Simply remove yellowed or damaged leaves at the base of the plant. After flowering, let the stems dry naturally before removing them in late autumn.
Pests and diseases
This orchid is rarely affected by pests in cultivation. Watch for excess moisture, which promotes rot and fungi. Good air circulation and well-drained substrate prevent most problems. Aphids are rare but possible: treat with horticultural soap if needed.
Did you know?
The heart-leaved twayblade is remarkable for its tiny pale green heart-shaped flowers, completely inconspicuous yet fascinating under magnification. Its name 'cordata' literally means 'heart-shaped'. Once considered a magical plant in Northern Europe, it remains a threatened wild orchid that's a joy to discover in the forest.
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.