Case's ladies' tresses (Spiranthes casei) is a delicate terrestrial orchid found in North America, known for its spiral arrangement of small white flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light.
75% intensity
Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves. Filtered light or partial shade is ideal.
Keep consistently moist, avoid waterlogging.
75% intensity
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate, with a temperature drop.
50% intensity
Prefers daytime temperatures of 20-25°C and nighttime temperatures of 13-16°C, especially to encourage flowering.
Light feeding during growth.
25% intensity
Use a diluted orchid fertilizer during active growth, and cease 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
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top layer of soil begins to dry out. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering slightly during the dormant period in late summer/fall.
Pruning is generally not required for Spiranthes casei. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves at the base of the plant as they appear.
After flowering, you can trim the spent flower spike down to the foliage level to maintain a tidy appearance.
Propagation is primarily done through division of established clumps during repotting in spring. Carefully separate the pseudobulbs with at least a few leaves and roots.
Alternatively, seeds can be germinated under sterile laboratory conditions, but this is complex and slow.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the potting medium begins to break down, typically after flowering in late summer or early fall. Use a well-draining orchid mix, such as bark-based media with added perlite.
Choose a pot that is just large enough to accommodate the root system.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Case's Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes casei)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Spiranthes |
| Species | Spiranthes casei |
Similar in genus Spiranthes
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
