Tipularia discolor
Tipularia discolor · Orchidaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant tipularia discolor: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Bicolored Leaf Orchid
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Type
- Terrestrial orchid herb
- Blooming
- August to October
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous, green and purple on both surfaces
- Hardiness
- Cold to moderate temperate zones
- Origin
- North America (East and Center)
Care
Light exposure
Tipularia discolor prefers indirect light and a partially shaded environment. Place it in a woodland setting or near a north or east-facing window. Avoid direct sunlight, especially in summer, as it can scorch the delicate foliage.
Substrate and soil
This terrestrial orchid appreciates soil rich in humus, well-draining and slightly acidic. Use a mixture of leaf mold, peat, and decomposing organic matter. Ensure water doesn't pool to prevent rot of the underground bulbs.
Appropriate watering
Keep the substrate moist but not overly wet, especially during the growing period. In winter, when the foliage goes dormant, reduce watering significantly. Excess water is the main risk: prefer regular, moderate applications.
Nutrition
Apply a balanced, highly diluted fertilizer once or twice monthly during the active growing period (spring-summer). Choose a low-nitrogen orchid fertilizer to avoid promoting foliage at the expense of blooming.
Pruning and cleaning
True pruning is unnecessary: this plant grows naturally in a compact form. Simply remove dead or damaged leaves in late winter. Remove spent flowers to channel energy toward building up reserves.
Health prevention
Watch for spider mites and mealybugs, especially in dry air. Underground bulb rot remains the main issue: it results from excess moisture. Ensure good air circulation and regularly clean the foliage with a damp cloth.
Did you know?
Tipularia discolor is remarkable for its bicolored leaves that develop only in autumn-winter, then disappear in spring: unlike most plants, it completely reverses its seasonal cycle. This wild terrestrial orchid is pollinated by nocturnal butterflies attracted to its discreet, fragrant flowers, and is a valuable species for North American woodland gardens.
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.