Also known as Common Ladies' Tresses · Dropping Ladies'-Tresses · Navasot Ladies'-Tresses Orchid
Nodding Lady's Tresses (Spiranthes cernua) is a native orchid known for its spiraling inflorescence of fragrant white flowers that nod gracefully.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light
75% intensity
Prefers dappled sunlight or bright, indirect light. Avoid direct, intense sun which can scorch leaves.
Consistent moisture, avoid waterlogging
75% intensity
Prefers consistently moist soil during growth, but allows for a drier period in winter.
Acidic, Moist, Sandy, Loamy, Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers intermediate temperatures, with a noticeable drop in winter to induce blooming.
Moderate feeding during growth
25% intensity
Use a balanced orchid fertilizer diluted, and cease feeding in fall.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the active growing season. Reduce watering significantly during dormancy in winter. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, a common issue for this species.
Pruning is generally not required for Spiranthes cernua. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves at the base of the plant as they appear to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent disease. This is primarily a cosmetic task.
Propagation is best done by division during the spring as new growth emerges. Carefully separate clumps of pseudobulbs and roots. Allow the divisions to air dry for a day before repotting into a well-draining orchid mix.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the potting medium begins to break down. Choose a well-draining orchid mix. Repot after flowering, typically in late fall or early spring. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Nodding Lady's Tresses (Spiranthes cernua)
Where Nodding Lady's Tresses (Spiranthes cernua) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Spiranthes |
| Species | Spiranthes cernua |
Similar in genus Spiranthes
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
