Also known as Adam And Eve · Adam-And-Eve · Putty Root Orchid
Putty root (Aplectrum hyemale) is a terrestrial orchid with a single, broad leaf that persists through winter. It produces a flower spike in spring.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Filtered
75% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light, similar to dappled shade in its natural habitat. Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow the potting medium to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering during summer dormancy.
Loam, Sandy loam, Clay loam
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Tolerates a range of temperatures but thrives in intermediate conditions. Protect from extreme cold and heat. Typical home temperatures are suitable.
Low
25% intensity
Feed sparingly during the growing season with a diluted balanced orchid fertilizer. Do not fertilize during summer dormancy.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water moderately when the potting mix begins to dry out, ensuring good drainage. Avoid waterlogged conditions which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering significantly during the dormant period in summer, allowing the pseudobulb to shrivel slightly. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Pruning is generally not required for Aplectrum hyemale. Remove any dead or decaying leaves or pseudobulbs only if they show signs of disease or rot to maintain plant health and aesthetics.
This helps prevent the spread of potential issues.
Propagation is primarily done through division of mature pseudobulbs during repotting. Ensure each division has at least one healthy pseudobulb and some roots.
Allow cut surfaces to dry before repotting in a well-draining medium.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the potting medium begins to break down, typically in the spring after flowering. Use a coarse, well-draining orchid mix.
Ensure the pseudobulbs are planted at the surface or slightly buried in the substrate.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Putty Root (Aplectrum hyemale)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Aplectrum |
| Species | Aplectrum hyemale |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
