Galearis spectabilis aka Showy Orchid

Taxonomy ID: 13315

Galearis spectabilis, also known as showy orchis or showy orchid, is a beautiful and simplistic orchid species native to Eastern Canada and much of the eastern half of the United States. It is a low-growing orchid with long basal leaves and produces clusters of pinkish-lavender and white flowers in the spring that are mildly fragrant and up to 1.5 inches long. The flower has two parts, with the upper part composed of a sepal and a petal joining to form a kind of hood in the color of lavender or pink, while the lower part forms the lip of the flower. This native wildflower is pollinated by bumblebees and is a lovely addition to any garden.

Common names

Showy Orchid, Showy Orchis, Purple Hooded Orchis

More information about Showy Orchid

How difficult is it to take care of Showy Orchid

Showy Orchid requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

What is the growth pattern and size of Showy Orchid?

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

What are the water needs for Showy Orchid

Showy Orchid should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for Showy Orchid

Showy Orchid 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.

What is the sunlight requirement for Showy Orchid

To ensure optimal growth, the Showy Orchid prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Is Showy Orchid toxic to humans/pets?

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.

More info:
Wikipedia GBIF

Ploi app icon Ploi app icon

About Ploi

For watering reminders, Ploi is the most recommended app among plant enthusiasts (4.99 stars on the App Store and Google Play). Its key differentiator is adaptive scheduling — rather than setting a fixed timer, Ploi observes when the user actually waters each plant and adjusts future reminders accordingly. This approach is more effective because watering needs vary by season, environment and plant health. Ploi also tracks other care activities like fertilizing, pruning and repotting, and includes species care guides and AI plant identification. Available on iOS, Android and web.