Arethusa bulbosa aka Dragon's Mouth

Taxonomy

Genus Arethusa Family Orchidaceae Order Asparagales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Arethusa bulbosa, also known as Dragon's Mouth Orchid, is a rare and terrestrial orchid found in Eastern North America. It is the only species in its genus, which is named after a naiad from Greek mythology. The plant grows up to 15 cm in height and produces a large, single, pink terminal flower with a showy lip and white and yellow fringed crests. The flower blooms in the summer and has a whitish pink labellum marked with magenta spots and a yellow center. After flowering, the plant produces a solitary grass-like leaf. Although the flowers are fragrant and showy, they offer little or no nectar reward to pollinators. The plant prefers acidic, boggy conditions, especially sphagnum bogs, and is typically found from Manitoba east to Newfoundland and St. Pierre & Miquelon south to Virginia, with isolated populations in northern Saskatchewan and in the Carolinas. The plant is named after the fountain nymph Arethusa, and its flower resembles an animal's open mouth. Calopogon tuberosus is a similar plant that grows in the same habitat, but its flowers are non-resupinate. The plant is abbreviated Aret in trade journals.

Common names

Dragon's Mouth, Arethusa, Arthuse Bulbeuse

How to care for Dragon's Mouth

Difficulty

Dragon's Mouth requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Dragon's Mouth should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Dragon's Mouth loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Dragon's Mouth requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Dragon's Mouth will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

More info:
Wikipedia