How to Grow and Care for Helmet orchid

Spider orchid is a terrestrial orchid with a discreet charm, often found nestled in damp, shaded forest floors. It features a singular heart-shaped leaf which rises from the ground, giving way to a delicate flower with a distinctive helmet-like structure. Its bloom, while small, captivates with intricate patterns and a subtle blend of earthy tones that mirror the forest's understory palette.

Spurred helmet orchid (Corybas cheesemanii) are often assumed to mimic the scents and colors of mushrooms to trick fungus gnats into pollinating its flowers. However, analysis has not detected any odors, so it is thought that the orchid may attract pollinators by reflecting UV. Its Latin name (Corybas cheesemanii) was named after New Zealand botanist and naturalist Thomas Frederick Cheeseman.

Corybas despectans is a delicate, ground-dwelling orchid with a single heart-shaped leaf preceding its emergence. Its intricate flower, usually solitary, features a distinctive helmet-like dorsal sepal, giving it a hooded appearance. This subtle bloom seldom catches the casual eye, blending into the humus-rich forest floors it calls home. Adapted for cool, shady environments, corybas despectans relies on minimalistic charm rather than flamboyant color to lure its few pollinators.

Corybas vitreus is a delicate terrestrial orchid, distinguishable by its single, translucent, and heart-shaped leaf that sits close to the forest floor. This leaf often features intricate patterns that blend with the leaf litter. Above, it bears an ethereal, singular flower; typically white or pale, with occasional pink or green hues, evoking a glass-like appearance that harmonizes with the dappled light of its understory habitat.