Contents
Description
Serapias Orientalis, also known as the Eastern Tongue Orchid, is a species of orchid native to Europe and parts of Asia. It belongs to the Orchidaceae family and is a perennial herb that grows up to 30 cm tall. The plant has a single stem with basal leaves that are lanceolate and up to 15 cm long. It produces a single inflorescence with 2 to 10 flowers that are pinkish-purple in color and have a prominent lip.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya||————|———–|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Anthophyta|| Class| Equisetopsida || Order| Asparagales || Family| Orchidaceae || Genus| Serapias|| Species| S. Orientalis |
Appearance
Serapias Orientalis is a beautiful orchid with pinkish-purple flowers that have a prominent lip. The plant has a single stem that can grow up to 30 cm tall, and basal leaves that are lanceolate and up to 15 cm long. The flowers bloom in late spring or early summer and are fragrant.
Care Guide
Serapias Orientalis is a relatively easy orchid to care for. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy and thriving:- Water: Water regularly during the growing season, but make sure the soil is not waterlogged. Reduce watering during the dormant season.- Fertilization: Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Serapias Orientalis prefers partial shade and can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.- Hardiness Zones: This orchid is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Serapias Orientalis is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause damage to the leaves and flowers. Use an insecticidal soap to control them.- Fungal diseases: Serapias Orientalis can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spot. Avoid overwatering and ensure good air circulation to prevent these diseases.
Habitat
Serapias Orientalis is native to Europe and parts of Asia. It can be found in open grasslands, meadows, and rocky areas at elevations up to 2000 meters.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Serapias Orientalis be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors as long as it receives enough light and is kept in a well-draining soil mix.Q: How often should I fertilize my Serapias Orientalis?
A: Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Q: What is the ideal temperature range for Serapias Orientalis?
A: This orchid prefers temperatures between 15°C and 25°C during the growing season.Q: How often should I water my Serapias Orientalis?
A: Water regularly during the growing season, but make sure the soil is not waterlogged.
Related Plants
– Serapias lingua- Serapias parviflora- Serapias vomeracea- Serapias cordigera
References
– “Serapias Orientalis” Kew Science, accessed July 23, 2021, https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:655129-1. – “Serapias Orientalis” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed July 23, 2021, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286436&isprofile=0&.- “Serapias Orientalis” Orchids Wiki, accessed July 23, 2021, https://www.orchids.wiki/serapias-orientalis/.
