Scientific Name
Ophrys bertolonii Moretti
Common Name(s)
Bertoloni's Bee Orchid
Synonym(s)
Arachnites bertolonii, Arachnites insengae, Ophrys dalmatica, Ophrys insectifera subsp. bertolonii, Ophrys inzengae, Ophrys marzensis, Ophrys penedensis, Ophrys romolinii, Ophrys speculum
Scientific Classification
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Orchidoideae
Tribe: Orchidinae
Genus: Ophrys
Flower
Color: Dark, almost black, and pale pink
Bloom Time: From March to June
Description
Ophrys bertolonii is an amazing orchid that grows up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall and carries 3 to 8 large flowers on each inflorescence. The dark, almost black, velvety lip with its shiny speculum makes the flower so attractive. The sepals and petals are a lovely shade of pale pink, sometimes tinged or marked with green. The plant is in bloom at any time between March and June.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 6a to 9b: from −10 °F (−23.3 °C) to 30 °F (−1.1 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Generally, orchids can be grouped into three temperature categories: cool, warm, and intermediate. First, buy a high-low thermometer to measure the temperature range in your orchid location. After that, choosing a suitable orchid is simple. As with light, some orchids easily adapt to more than one temperature range.
Most orchids we grow indoors come from the tropics, and most parts of the tropics are much more humid than the average living room. Therefore, orchids grow better if you boost the humidity in their immediate growing area by grouping your plants or placing them in a dry well. First, create a dry well by placing plastic lattice or pebbles on a tray, then adding water to just below the lattice or top of the pebbles. Next, place your potted plants on top of the lattice or pebbles.
Anyone who has ever watered an orchid knows that most of what you pour in runs out almost immediately through the bottom of the pot. Orchids need to be watered differently because they are potted in bark mix rather than potting soil.
See more at How to Grow Orchids Indoors.
Origin
This species is native to the western and central Mediterranean.
Links
- Back to genus Ophrys
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
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