Nodding lady's tresses (Spiranthes cernua)

Nodding lady's tresses

Other names for nodding lady's tresses include wild hyacinth or nodding spiranthes. It gets its name because each of its blossoms “nods,” or tips down slightly. This orchid is incredibly easy to grow—even for the beginner. It slowly spreads via rhizomes (underground root systems), until it forms breathtakingly beautiful colonies. Once it attains full maturity, you can propagate it by separating the rhizomes.

Scientific classification

Species

Nodding lady's tresses (Spiranthes cernua)

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Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Winter

Harvest Time

23 cm to 61 cm

Plant Height

23 cm to 30 cm

Spread

2.5 cm

Flower Size

White

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Evergreen, Deciduous

Leaf type

Images of Nodding lady's tresses

Attributes of Nodding lady's tresses

Growth Rate

With a moderate growth rate, nodding lady's tresses unfolds its beauty primarily in the Spring and Summer. The controlled speed promotes balanced development, including adequate root establishment, nutrient absorption efficiency, and overall plant health. During these seasons, nodding lady's tresses displays steady leaf production, height increment, and timed flowering, directly influenced by its growth speed. While the growth speed may slightly vary in other seasons, the interest piques during these energetic periods.

Quickly Identify Nodding lady's tresses

Distinct double spiral arrangement of white flowers on stems 8-18 inches (20-45 cm) tall.

Slender, lance-shaped leaves up to 12 inches (30 cm) with smooth margins in basal rosettes.

Smooth, upright stem reaching 9-18 inches (23-46 cm), unbranched, supporting dense, spiral-like flowers.

Inflorescence displaying slightly spiraled, vertical arrangement of fragrant, hooded, white flowers.

Fruit in slender, green pods transitioning to tawny brown, releasing lightweight seeds for wind dispersal.

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Care Guide for Nodding lady's tresses

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Orchid Potting Mix

Soil Type

Water: Nodding lady's tresses thrives in moist conditions, requiring consistent soil moisture without waterlogging. It should be watered weekly, mimicking its natural habitat's rainfall patterns, especially during the active growing season. This species is typically grown outdoors to satisfy its hydration needs.

Fertilize: Fertilize nodding lady's tresses with balanced fertilizers during growth and switch to high phosphorus types before blooming. Apply a quarter-strength solution biweekly in growth months, reducing in dormancy. Ensure soil is moist to prevent root burn and adjust the regimen based on nodding lady's tresses's nutrient response.

Pruning: Nodding lady's tresses features spiral-arranged white flowers. Prune in early spring or late winter, removing dead leaves and spent spikes to encourage growth and blooming. Avoid heavy pruning to reduce stress. Pruning during dormancy minimizes sap loss and enhances air circulation, promoting plant health.

Propagation: Nodding lady's tresses can be propagated through division after flowering. Separate tuberous roots, ensuring each section has roots and a growth point. Replant in well-draining soil with consistent moisture. This technique is accessible for beginners wishing to expand their collection or share nodding lady's tresses.

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