Orchis simia aka Monkey Orchid

Orchis simia is extremely challenging to cultivate and should only be attempted by expert growers. Like all terrestrial European orchids, it depends on specific mycorrhizal fungi for seed germination and nutrient uptake. Seeds will not germinate without the appropriate fungal partner, and even established plants require very specific soil conditions (calcareous, well-drained) and precise light levels. Most cultivation attempts fail, and this species is best appreciated in its natural habitat or in specialist conservation gardens.

The Monkey Orchid is a compact plant reaching 15-50cm in height, with most specimens around 20-30cm tall. It has a narrow, upright growth habit with a spread of 10-20cm. The plant takes 2-5 years to reach full flowering size from establishment. Growth is slow due to the plant's dependency on soil fungi for nutrition, and flowering spikes may not appear every year even in established plants.

Orchis simia is hardy through most of the UK, tolerating winter temperatures down to -10°C (14°F). It requires a temperate climate with cool winters for dormancy and mild to warm summers for growth. The plant cannot tolerate extreme heat or humidity and is not suitable for tropical or subtropical climates. In its natural range, it experiences Mediterranean to continental European conditions.

The flowers are the most distinctive feature, resembling tiny monkeys with dangling arms, legs, and a tail. Each spike carries 15-55 flowers in a dense, cylindrical arrangement. Unusually for orchids, flowers open from the top of the spike downwards. The sepals and petals form a pale pink or white hood with darker veining, while the deeply divided lip shows white with magenta spots on the body and purple 'limbs'. Flowering occurs in late May to early June in the UK, earlier in southern Europe.

The Monkey Orchid has a subtle fragrance that is not strongly pronounced. Research on Orchis species indicates they produce floral scents as part of their pollination strategy, though the scent of O. simia is not as notable or well-documented as some other orchid species. The fragrance is most noticeable in warm, still conditions when flowers are fully open.

The Monkey Orchid is pollinated by various insects including the click beetle Cidnopus pilosus, the Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth (Hemaris fuciformis), and honeybees. Unlike some deceptive orchids, O. simia produces nectar to reward its pollinators. The distinctive flower shape and coloration help attract insects, and the flowers' scent plays a role in pollination success.

Propagation of Orchis simia is extremely difficult. The species can only be grown from seed, which requires association with specific mycorrhizal fungi to germinate. Tubers should be planted 8-10cm deep in early spring if available. Seeds require light for germination, temperatures around 24°C, and can take 3 months to a year to germinate. Using soil from established orchid sites can introduce necessary fungi. Asymbiotic laboratory germination is possible but challenging.

Orchis simia is exclusively an outdoor plant and cannot be grown indoors. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-8 and UK hardiness zone H4 (tolerating -10°C). It requires calcareous (chalk or limestone) soil, full sun to partial shade, and south, west, or east-facing aspects. The species tolerates both exposed and sheltered positions. In gardens, it may succeed in wildflower meadows, wildlife gardens, or naturalistic borders with alkaline soil.

Several varieties and forms of Orchis simia have been described. A rare white form (var. alba) lacks the typical pink and purple coloration. The subspecies taubertiana, found in certain regions, has been recognized by some taxonomists. The species also hybridizes naturally with related orchids, producing Orchis × bergonii (with Man Orchid) and Orchis × angusticruris (with Lady Orchid). These hybrids combine characteristics of both parent species.

Orchis simia is deciduous and follows a distinct seasonal cycle. In spring, leaves emerge from the tuber and the flowering spike develops, blooming in May-June. After flowering and seed set, the above-ground growth dies back in mid to late summer. The plant remains dormant through autumn and winter, with the tuber storing energy underground. During dormancy, the soil should remain relatively dry. No active care is needed during the dormant period.

RHS notes that Orchis simia is susceptible to slugs and snails, which can damage emerging growth and flowers. In the wild, the species also faces threats from grazing animals including wild boar, rabbits, and muntjac deer, which may dig up tubers. The plant is generally disease-free but is highly sensitive to fungicides, which can destroy the beneficial mycorrhizal fungi essential for its survival.

The tubers of Orchis simia are traditionally edible and have been harvested for centuries to make salep, a flour used in beverages and ice cream, particularly in Turkey, Greece, and the Middle East. However, collection from the wild is strongly discouraged and often illegal due to conservation concerns. Over-harvesting for salep production is a major threat to wild orchid populations, with Turkey alone harvesting tubers from 38 species annually. The plant is protected in many countries.

Salep derived from Orchis tubers has traditional medicinal uses dating back to ancient times. It has been used as a demulcent (soothing agent) for digestive complaints, diarrhea, and as a general strengthening tonic. In traditional medicine systems, it was also considered an aphrodisiac. However, modern evidence for these benefits is limited. WebMD notes there is 'no good scientific evidence' to support most traditional claims.

Beyond food and traditional medicine, salep from Orchis tubers serves as a natural thickening agent and stabilizer in food products. It is particularly valued in traditional Turkish ice cream (dondurma) for its stretchy texture and resistance to melting. The glucomannan content makes it useful as an emulsifier. However, due to conservation concerns and legal protections, commercial use increasingly relies on synthetic substitutes or cultivated alternatives.

Monkey Orchid’s native range is Europe and Northwest Africa.

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

Monkey 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.

To ensure optimal growth, the Monkey Orchid prefers bright indirect 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.

The Monkey Orchid does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Once the Monkey Orchid has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Monkey Orchid is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.