Bird's-nest orchid
Neottia nidus-avis · Orchidaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant bird's-nest orchid: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Form
- Herbaceous
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- April to June
- Mature size
- 20 to 40 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Hardy down to -15 °C
- Origin
- Europe, temperate Asia
- Soil type
- Rich in organic matter, well-draining
Care
Soil and habitat
Bird's nest orchid appreciates forest soils rich in humus and well-draining. This epiphytic or terrestrial orchid prefers a substrate containing peat, bark, and organic matter. Avoid overly compact substrates that would retain stagnant water.
Light exposure
Cultivate bird's nest orchid in partial shade or dappled light, ideally in a woodland setting. This plant fears direct sun which can scorch its delicate tissues. A cool, humid location sheltered from wind promotes its development.
Watering
Keep the substrate constantly moist but not waterlogged during the growing period. In winter, reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy. Preferably use soft or demineralized water.
Fertilizing
Apply diluted balanced fertilizer (orchid type) once a month during the growing season. Reduce to every two months in summer, and stop in autumn-winter. Moderate feeding suffices for this low-energy plant.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is necessary. Simply remove spent flowers and dead leaves as they appear. This plant needs a winter rest period to flower properly the following year.
Diseases and pests
Watch for root rot caused by excessive moisture or poor drainage. Mealybugs and spider mites can occasionally infest it; increase ambient humidity to prevent them. Good ventilation limits fungal diseases.
Did you know?
Bird's nest orchid is one of the rare orchids lacking chlorophyll: it cannot manufacture organic matter itself! Instead, it parasitizes mycorrhizal fungi in forest soil, hence its evocative name and its dense flower spike that truly resembles a nest. This remarkable adaptation makes it a true botanical curiosity of temperate forests in Europe and Asia.
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.