Pterostylis reflexa, the dainty greenhood, is a terrestrial orchid native to Australia, featuring distinctive hooded flowers and upright, lance-shaped leaves.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light
50% intensity
Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, especially during summer dormancy. Partial shade is ideal.
Keep moist during growth, dry during dormancy
75% intensity
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Well-drained, sandy loam
50% intensity
Cool to moderate
50% intensity
Ideal temperatures range from 10-18°C during growth. Cooler temperatures are tolerated, but protect from frost.
Light feeding during growth
25% intensity
Use a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer in autumn and spring. Avoid fertilizing during 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
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the active growing season, which typically occurs during cooler, wetter months.
Reduce watering significantly during dormancy, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Ensure good drainage to avoid standing water.
Pruning is generally not required for Pterostylis reflexa. Remove any dead or dying foliage at the base of the plant only if it becomes unsightly or shows signs of disease.
The plant naturally dies back after flowering and produces new growth from its underground tubers.
Propagation is primarily achieved through offsets or division of the tubers. Gently separate the small tubers (daughter bulbs) from the parent tuber during repotting in late summer or early autumn.
Replant them in well-draining potting mix to establish new plants.
Repot Pterostylis reflexa tubers every 2-3 years, ideally in late summer or early autumn, just as new growth begins. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand.
This allows for inspection and division of tubers.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Dainty Greenhood (Pterostylis reflexa)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Pterostylis |
| Species | Pterostylis reflexa |
Similar in genus Pterostylis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
