Red Helleborine

cephalanthera rubra

Also known as: ["Red Orchid","Scarlet Helleborine"]

Family: Orchidaceae Genus: Cephalanthera Category: Flowers

Overview

A terrestrial orchid with striking red flowers, native to Europe and parts of Asia.

Benefits & Perks

["rare/collector’s item","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Genus: Cephalanthera
Botanical Name: Cephalanthera rubra

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: woodland garden or shaded, moist woodland edge
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Orchid bark mix with perlite and peat moss for aeration.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very high
  • Toughness Level: very low
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when debris accumulates.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or diseased parts.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade with dappled sunlight 4–6 hours/day; avoid direct afternoon sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to outdoor light; protect from harsh midday sun; place in shaded areas during peak hours.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
expert only

challenging

Sunlight

partial shade to dappled light

Use sheer curtains indoors; provide morning sun only; rotate plant for even light exposure.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging; water less in dormant periods.

Soil

well-draining, humus-rich, slightly acidic soil

pH: Slightly acidic, 5.5–6.5.

Use well-aerated mix; avoid heavy garden soil; maintain consistent moisture.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures, 50–70°F (10–21°C); prefers cooler nights.

Avoid sudden temperature swings; keep away from heating/cooling vents; monitor seasonal changes.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with diluted orchid fertilizer

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize after watering; stop in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Seed propagation or division of mature clumps; challenging due to specific germination requirements.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Collect mature seeds.
  2. Sow in sterile medium.
  3. Maintain high humidity.
  4. Or divide mature plant carefully.

Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light.

Medium

Sterile orchid mix or peat-based medium with perlite.

Hormone

Not typically required for seeds; division may benefit from rooting hormone.

Timeline

Seeds: 1–2 years to germinate; division: roots establish in 1–2 months.

Tools Needed

Sterile knife, propagation tray, humidity dome, sterile medium.

Quick Tips

Use sterile tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture; be patient with germination.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip dead leaves or stems at the base; avoid cutting healthy growth.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain health.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; remove dead parts; avoid over-pruning; clean debris from base.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.

Method

Use orchid mix; ensure good drainage; gently tease apart roots; trim any damaged roots.

Suggestions

Repot only when overcrowded or soil decomposes; every 2–3 years if needed.

Checklist

Prepare new pot; trim roots; use fresh mix; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base, ensuring even saturation of the root zone; allow excess to drain freely; avoid wetting foliage.

Pro Tip: Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add orchid bark or perlite for drainage; incorporate peat moss for acidity.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf discoloration, or stunted growth; bud drop in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dormancy; frost can damage tissues.

Solution: Protect from frost; provide insulation; avoid cold drafts; maintain stable temperatures.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, or dehydration; reduced flowering.

Solution: Increase humidity; provide shade; water more frequently; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during active growth; rinse between feedings.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced orchid fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply monthly during growing season (spring/summer); avoid winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Cephalanthera rubra may indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or underlying disease, often affecting photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant health.

Wilting in Cephalanthera rubra can result from water stress, root damage, or pathogenic infections, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Cephalanthera rubra may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, resulting in reduced photosynthetic capacity and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Cephalanthera rubra is often caused by overwatering or fungal pathogens, leading to tissue decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cephalanthera rubra can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats if ingested. The plant is not highly toxic but can lead to discomfort and should be monitored if consumed.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Cephalanthera rubra may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. While not typically life-threatening, the plant can cause discomfort and should be kept out of reach of pets.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Cephalanthera rubra contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and allergic reactions in humans. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can be uncomfortable, particularly in sensitive individuals.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain skin irritation
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion. Wash hands after handling the plant to prevent skin irritation.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Cephalanthera rubra easy to grow?

A: No, it is challenging to cultivate and requires specific conditions.

Q: Does this plant have any medicinal uses?

A: There is limited documented evidence of medicinal use.

Q: Is it toxic to pets?

A: Toxicity data is not well-documented.

Quick Reference
Family: Orchidaceae
Care: expert only
Light: partial shade to dappled light
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Spider Orchid
View
Bee Orchid
View
Mendel's Cattleya
View
Atacazo Epidendrum
View