Man Orchid (Orchis anthropophora) is a terrestrial orchid native to Europe, recognized for its distinctive humanoid-shaped flower. It thrives in calcareous grasslands.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct, intense sunlight which can scorch leaves. Dappled shade in summer is ideal.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow medium to dry slightly between waterings in growing season. Reduce significantly during dormancy.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Tolerates a range of temperatures. Prefers cool to moderate conditions, with a distinct resting period in winter (around 5-10°C).
Low
25% intensity
Use diluted orchid fertilizer during the active growing season only. Cease feeding during dormancy.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water sparingly during the active growing season (spring/early summer), allowing the potting medium to dry out slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering significantly during the dormant period (late summer/autumn/winter), keeping the tubers just moist enough to prevent shriveling. Overwatering is a common cause of rot.
Pruning is generally not required for Orchis anthropophora. After flowering, allow the stem and leaves to naturally yellow and die back. This indicates the plant is entering its dormant phase.
Remove the dried foliage only once it is completely desiccated to avoid damaging the tubers.
Propagation is primarily achieved through division of tubers during the dormant season (late summer to early autumn). Carefully separate mature tubers with at least one growth bud.
Allow the divided tubers to callous for a few days before repotting in fresh orchid mix. Seed propagation is complex and slow.
Repot Orchis anthropophora every 2-3 years, or when the potting medium has broken down. This is best done in late summer or early autumn, just before new root growth begins.
Use a well-draining orchid compost mix, such as bark-based compost with added perlite. Ensure adequate drainage in the pot.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Man Orchid (Orchis anthropophora)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Orchis |
| Species | Orchis anthropophora |
Similar in genus Orchis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
