Contents
Description
Arethusa Bulbosa, commonly known as dragon’s mouth orchid, is a rare and exquisite orchid found in North America. It is a small, terrestrial plant that grows up to 15 centimeters in height. This orchid blooms in late spring to early summer and produces one or two flowers per stem. The flowers are pink or magenta in color and have a unique shape that resembles a dragon’s mouth. They have three sepals and three petals, with the lower petal forming a lip that serves as a landing platform for pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Arethusa |
Appearance
Arethusa Bulbosa has a single basal leaf that is lance-shaped and up to 20 centimeters long. The leaf is green in color and has prominent parallel veins. The stem is slender, with one or two flowers at the top. The flowers are about 2.5 centimeters in length and have a unique shape that resembles a dragon’s mouth. They are pink or magenta in color and have three sepals and three petals. The lower petal forms a lip that is fringed and serves as a landing platform for pollinators.
Care Guide
Arethusa Bulbosa requires specific care to thrive. Here are the care requirements:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Arethusa Bulbosa prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: This orchid is hardy in USDA zones 4-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Arethusa Bulbosa is susceptible to various pests and diseases. Here are some of the common ones:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the plant’s sap and can cause yellowing leaves and webbing.
- Thrips: These small insects feed on the plant’s leaves and flowers and can cause distorted growth and discoloration.
- Crown rot: This fungal disease can occur when the plant is overwatered or the soil is poorly drained. It can cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown or black spots on the leaves and can lead to defoliation.
Habitat
Arethusa Bulbosa is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, bogs, and swamps. It prefers acidic soil and partial shade. This orchid is rare and protected in some states, so it should not be collected from the wild.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Arethusa Bulbosa?
A: Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What is the best fertilizer for Arethusa Bulbosa?
A: Use a balanced fertilizer and apply it once a month during the growing season.
Q: Can Arethusa Bulbosa be grown indoors?
A: It is possible to grow this orchid indoors, but it requires specific care to thrive. Provide it with bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Is Arethusa Bulbosa a threatened species?
A: Yes, this orchid is rare and protected in some states. It should not be collected from the wild.
Related Plants
- Calypso bulbosa
- Cypripedium acaule
- Cypripedium parviflorum
- Dactylorhiza maculata
- Epipactis helleborine
References
- “Arethusa bulbosa,” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed August 5, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279024&isprofile=0&basic=arethusa%20bulbosa.
- “Arethusa Bulbosa,” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, accessed August 5, 2021, https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ARBU.
- “Arethusa Bulbosa,” North Carolina State University Extension, accessed August 5, 2021, https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/arethusa-bulbosa/.
