Water
Orthilia secunda prefers consistently moist soil but dislikes waterlogged conditions. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering slightly during cooler months.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Also known as Nodding Wintergreen · One-Sided Orthilia · One-Sided Pyrola
Orthilia (Orthilia secunda) is a low-growing perennial herb with small, nodding white flowers, often found in woodlands and shaded areas.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade to Full Shade
25% intensity
Prefers dappled light or shade; avoid direct, hot sun.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Acidic, Loam, Sandy, Well-drained
50% intensity
Cool to Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 15-24°C; tolerates cooler conditions.
Light Feeding
25% intensity
Feed sparingly in spring/summer with diluted balanced fertilizer.
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
Orthilia secunda prefers consistently moist soil but dislikes waterlogged conditions. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering slightly during cooler months.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Pruning is generally not required for Orthilia secunda. Remove any dead or damaged foliage at any time of year.
If the plant becomes too leggy, light pruning can be done after flowering to maintain shape, but avoid heavy cutting.
Propagation is typically done by division of established clumps in early spring or autumn. Carefully separate rhizomatous roots and replant sections.
It can also be propagated from seed, but this is a slower process and requires stratification.
Repot Orthilia secunda every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repotting is best done in early spring before new growth begins to minimize stress on the plant.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Orthilia (Orthilia secunda)
Where Orthilia (Orthilia secunda) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Orthilia |
| Species | Orthilia secunda |
Similar in genus Orthilia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data