Ophrys speculum grow and care – herbaceous rhizome of the genus Ophrys also known as Mirror orchid, Ophrys speculum perennial deciduous plant used as ornamental cut flower plant, can grow in mediterranean, subtropical or temperate climate and growing in hardiness zone 6-9.
Flower shape looks like female bees and attract wasp, flowers grow on stem in inflorescence, some of the orchid pollinate in self-pollination, the flowers are small 0.5-4 cm, and flower color can be: the 3 sepals can be: white, purple, green or together with strips, the “body” shape color black-brown in the outer circle, yellow and the middle purple or blue (shiny color).
Calcareous soil (alkaline), well-drained soil, bloom in moist soil
What is the best way to start growing?
Plant / Seed / Vegetative Reproduction (rhizome)
Is it necessary to graft or use vegetative reproduction? Yes (much easier)
Difficulties or problems when growing: Hard to grow it outside the wild
Planting season: Spring or autumn (in warmer climate) and artificial all year
Pests and diseases: Aphids
Pruning season: In the middle of the summer
How to prune:
Old leaves
Size of the plant? 10-50 cm, 4-20 inches
Growth speed in optimal condition: Slow growing
Water requirement: Small amount of water / Average amount of water
Light conditions in optimal condition for growing: Full Sun / Half Shade / Full Shade (with light)
Is it possible to grow indoor as houseplant? No
Growing is also possible in a planter /flowerpot / containers: Yes
Blooming information
Bloom season: Spring / Summer, in hot climate Winter / Spring
General information about the flower: Colors: 3 sepals can be: white, purple, green or together with strips, the “body” shape color black-brown in the outer circle, yellow and the middle purple or blue (shiny color), flowers grow on stem in inflorescence, some of the orchid pollinate in self-pollination, the flowers are small 0.5-4 cm
