Also known as Greater Tongue Orchid · Tongue Helleborine · Tongue Orchid
Tongue-Orchid (Serapias lingua) is a terrestrial orchid native to the Mediterranean region, known for its distinctive helmet-shaped petals and slender leaves.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Moderate
50% intensity
Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep consistently moist during growth, reduce in winter.
Well-drained, gritty, sandy loam
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures. Avoid extreme heat or frost.
Low
25% intensity
Feed sparingly during growth, none in 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 |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water generously during the active growing season (spring to autumn), ensuring the potting medium is consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Reduce watering significantly during the dormant period (winter), allowing the soil to dry out between infrequent waterings to prevent root rot. Monitor the plant's moisture levels carefully.
Pruning is generally not required for Serapias lingua. Remove spent flower spikes only after they have completely faded to prevent disease and direct the plant's energy into the tubers.
Ensure any cutting tools are sterilized to avoid introducing pathogens to the plant.
Propagation is typically done by dividing the tubers during the repotting process in late summer or early autumn. Ensure each division has at least one viable eye.
Allow the divided tubers to dry for a few days before repotting into fresh, well-draining orchid mix.
Repot Serapias lingua every 2-3 years, or when the potting medium begins to break down. This is best done in late summer or early autumn, after the flowering season has ended and before new growth begins.
Use a coarse, well-draining orchid mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Tongue-Orchid (Serapias lingua)
Where Tongue-Orchid (Serapias lingua) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Serapias |
| Species | Serapias lingua |
Similar in genus Serapias
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
