Also known as Boxing Glove Orchid · Brown Bee Orchid · Dark Bee Orchid
Sombre Bee-orchid (Ophrys fusca) is a terrestrial orchid native to the Mediterranean region, known for its intricate, insect-like flowers that mimic female bees.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers bright, direct sunlight for optimal flowering and growth. Can tolerate partial shade.
Moderate to Low
50% intensity
Allow substrate to dry between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during dormancy.
Well-drained, calcareous soil
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Enjoys warm summers and cool, dry winters. Protect from frost during active growth phases.
Very Low
10% intensity
Minimal feeding required. Use highly diluted, balanced fertilizer sparingly during the growing season.
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
Allow the substrate to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is detrimental, especially during dormancy. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Water sparingly in winter, and more frequently during active growth in spring and autumn, but always with caution.
Pruning is generally not required for Ophrys fusca. Dead or faded flower stalks can be carefully removed after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance.
Avoid cutting back healthy foliage, as it is essential for the plant's energy reserves for the following season.
Propagation is primarily done through seed, which requires specialized techniques and often a period of cold stratification followed by inoculation with specific mycorrhizal fungi for germination. Division of tubers is rarely successful and not a common propagation method for this species.
Repotting should be done cautiously during the autumn, just as new growth appears. Use a very well-draining, gritty compost mix.
Disturb the roots as little as possible to avoid damaging the delicate tuber and its symbiotic fungal partners. Do not repot during active flowering or during dormancy.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Sombre Bee-Orchid (Ophrys fusca)
Where Sombre Bee-Orchid (Ophrys fusca) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Ophrys |
| Species | Ophrys fusca |
Similar in genus Ophrys
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
