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Description
Neottia Banksiana, commonly known as the Banks’ orchid, is a terrestrial orchid species that is native to North America. It is a small and delicate plant that can grow up to 30 cm tall. This orchid has a single green stem with several small leaves at its base. Its flowers are greenish-yellow in color and arranged in a loose spike.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Neottia |
Appearance
The Neottia Banksiana is a small orchid with a single green stem that can grow up to 30 cm tall. It has several small leaves at the base of the stem, which are about 2-5 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The stem is topped by a loose spike of greenish-yellow flowers that are about 1 cm long.
Care Guide
The Neottia Banksiana is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this orchid:- Water: The orchid prefers moist but not waterlogged soil. Water it regularly, but make sure to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.- Fertilization: The orchid does not require much fertilizer. You can feed it with a balanced orchid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: The orchid prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and bark is ideal.- Sunlight: The orchid prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can damage the plant.- Hardiness Zones: The orchid can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Neottia Banksiana is generally disease-resistant and not prone to pest infestations. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:- Slugs and snails: These pests can damage the leaves and flowers of the plant. Use slug bait or beer traps to control them.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. Use a fungicide to treat it.- Root rot: This can occur if the soil is too wet. Make sure to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to prevent this.
Habitat
The Neottia Banksiana is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. It prefers moist and shady environments and can often be found growing in the company of other orchid species.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the flowering season for Neottia Banksiana?
A: The flowering season for this orchid is typically from May to July.
Q: Can Neottia Banksiana be grown indoors?
A: Yes, this orchid can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with bright, indirect light and the right growing conditions.
Q: How often should Neottia Banksiana be watered?
A: Water the orchid regularly, but make sure to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Neottia Banksiana?
A: This orchid can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Neottia Banksiana:- Neottia bifolia- Neottia cordata- Neottia convallarioides- Neottia falcata
References
– Flora of North America: Neottia Banksiana- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Neottia Banksiana- Royal Horticultural Society: Neottia Banksiana
