Dragon’s mouth orchid (Arethusa bulbosa) is a rare orchid found in patches of eastern North America. It prefers wet lowlands like bogs and marshes. Dragon’s mouth orchid depends on bees for pollination, but relatively few bees visit since the flowers offer little nectar in return.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Arethusa bulbosa, commonly called dragon’s mouth orchid, is the only species in the orchid genus Arethusa. The genus is named after a naiad of Greek mythology. This monotypic genus is abbreviated Aret in trade journals.
This terrestrial and rare orchid occurs in Eastern North America from Manitoba east to Newfoundland and St. Pierre & Miquelon south to Virginia, with isolated populations in northern Saskatchewan and in the Carolinas.
The stem of dragon’s mouth orchid is slender and scapose, emerging straight from the base of the plant. It arises from a bulbous corm, providing a distinctive foundation. The stem exhibits a smooth texture and a gradient of green in color. Typically unbranched, it can reach a height of about 12-15 inches (30-38 cm). This unbranched, smooth stem makes it easily identifiable, particularly in contrast to its colorful flower.
The leaves of dragon’s mouth orchid are solitary, basal, and sheath-like, emerging post-flowering into a narrow, grass-like blade. They extend up to 7 to 10 inches (18 to 25 cm) in length, presenting a slender, elongated shape. The color is typically green, with a smooth texture and a simple vein pattern. The termini narrows gradually, enhancing the sleek appearance. These leaves are essential in the identification of dragon’s mouth orchid, particularly due to their unique growth pattern and structure.
The flowers of dragon’s mouth orchid are striking with their solid pink coloring. They feature three erect sepals and two similar petals that form a protective hood over the striking lower lip. The lower lip is ornate, curving outward and downward, displaying wrinkled edges adorned with purple speckles and white to yellow bristles. The inflorescence is terminal and supported by minute floral bracts. These flowers are typically singular and rarely found in pairs, measuring about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across.
The fruit of dragon’s mouth orchid is an erect, elongated capsule measuring approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches (1.27 to 3.81 cm) in length. This capsule is likely to exhibit a green coloration, shifting to brown as it matures and dries. Texturally, the capsule surface may be smooth or could have fine lines, ending in a pointed tip. Upon maturity, the fruit opens to release numerous small seeds, which are characteristic of many orchid species fruiting bodies. The capsules are typically held upright, which is a distinctive feature among the fruiting orchids.
II. How to Grow and Care
Dragon’s mouth orchid is a wetland orchid requiring specific conditions to thrive, which can make it a challenging plant for hobbyists. It demands a consistently moist, acidic environment, replicating its natural boggy habitat. Special attention must be given to its dormancy period after blooming, during which watering should be reduced. Another crucial point is ensuring a cold period in winter to stimulate spring flowering.
Sunlight
Dragon’s mouth orchid thrives under full sun conditions, which facilitates robust growth and optimizes health. The intensity and duration of sunlight received are critical, with dragon’s mouth orchid requiring extended periods of direct light for vigorous development. Despite preferring full sun, dragon’s mouth orchid demonstrates a moderate tolerance to partial sun; however, any substantial deviation from the ideal can lead to diminished growth and vitality.
Adaptively, dragon’s mouth orchid may exhibit certain protective traits such as leaf adjustments to mitigate excessive light exposure. Typically not an indoor specimen, dragon’s mouth orchid benefits from planting in locations with ample sunlight exposure, ensuring its unique habitat needs for thriving outdoors are met.
Temperature
Orchid plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions, preferring warm, moist conditions. Optimum growth temperatures are between 18 to 28 ℃, and it’s best if there is a certain difference in temperature between day and night: for example, 20 to 25 ℃ during the day and 15 to 18 ℃ at night. Dragon’s mouth orchid is a drought-tolerant plant, but cannot tolerate waterlogging, and grows well at 50-70% humidity. If the leaf tips are withered, it means the environment is too dry. Use a humidifier or spray bottle to increase the air humidity.
Watering
Thriving in the moist environments of North American wetlands, dragon’s mouth orchid has adapted to areas with high humidity and regular water availability. This orchid is known for its balance between moisture retention and drought tolerance, a testament to its native habitat’s fluctuating water conditions. Watering every week will maintain its health and mimic its natural rhythm. As an herbaceous perennial, dragon’s mouth orchid requires careful attention to watering during its active growth season to ensure successful flowering.
Soil
The “soil” required for dragon’s mouth orchid is special because, as an epiphyte, it originally grew on big trees in tropical forests. You need to mimic this growing environment with, for example, water moss, wood chips, coconut shells, volcanic stones, or perlite as soil substrate. You can also buy orchid-specific soil directly from gardening stores.
Fertilizing
For dragon’s mouth orchid, fertilization should involve balanced nutrition fertilizers, applied quarterly during active growth. Benefits include robust growth and vibrant blooms. Use sparingly, as excess can harm. Before winter dormancy, cease fertilizing to allow dragon’s mouth orchid to rest. Dilute fertilizers to half-strength to prevent root burn. Water soil before and after application to evenly distribute nutrients and avoid concentration in one area, which could damage the roots. These guidelines cater to dragon’s mouth orchid’s specific fertilization needs for thriving health.
Planting Instructions
You do not need a large pot to grow a dragon’s mouth orchid as it won’t produce a vigorous root system that occupies much space. If the pot is too large, the soil tends to collect water and cause root rot. The height of the pot should be 2.5 cm taller than the (pseudo)bulb of the dragon’s mouth orchid. You can easily buy dragon’s mouth orchid in a local gardening store and simply place it in breathable, well-drained substrate.
After planting, use upright sticks to support flowering branches. In warm, humid climates, cover the root of dragon’s mouth orchid with sphagnum moss and attach them to a tree with strings.
Pruning
It is best to prune wilted dragon’s mouth orchid flowers promptly after blooming to reduce unnecessary nutrient consumption and promote more blooms. Trim withered and diseased leaves promptly to increase air circulation, thus reducing pests and diseases.
Propagation
This perennial orchid thrives in wetlands and bogs and is celebrated for its striking pink blooms resembling a dragon’s open mouth. Propagation of dragon’s mouth orchid is most effectively achieved through division. Carefully separate pseudobulbs during the dormant period to maintain plant vigor and ensure successful establishment. It requires meticulous attention to mimic the native moist, acidic conditions it favors; hence, divisions should be planted in a sphagnum-rich medium with consistent moisture and partial shade to encourage growth.
Transplanting
For dragon’s mouth orchid, the prime transplant time is when spring awakens the earth, providing gentle weather and optimal growth conditions. Select a damp, shaded site to mirror its native habitat. If needed, enrich the soil with organic matter to maintain moisture.
III. Harvesting and Storage
If you want to display dragon’s mouth orchid flowers in vases, harvest there are only 2-3 flowers blooming on the stem. Cut diagonally at the bottom of the flower stem, and place it in a vase immediately. You can enjoy the cut flower in clean water for about 14 days, or for a longer time with preservatives.