Common Twayblade
neottia ovata
Also known as: ["Twayblade","Two-leaved Twayblade"]
Overview
A terrestrial orchid species with small greenish-yellow flowers and a pair of basal leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["rare/collector’s item","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Genus: | Neottia |
| Botanical Name: | Neottia ovata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shaded woodland garden or shaded container
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Humus-rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like leaf mold or peat.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed; typically after flowering or in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; selective removal of dead or diseased parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade; bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; avoid direct sunlight.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to new light conditions; protect from harsh midday sun; place in dappled light or under taller plants outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
challengingmoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sun; provide filtered light; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water when the top inch of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot; ensure good drainage.
Soil
well-draining, humus-rich, slightly acidic soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); prefers cooler conditions in winter.
Keep away from drafts; maintain stable temperatures; adjust care for seasonal changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in winter
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize after watering; stop in dormant periods.
Propagation
Methods
Division of rhizomes; occasionally by seed (challenging).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Carefully divide rhizomes.
- Plant in fresh medium.
- Maintain high humidity.
- Protect from direct sun.
Best Time: Early spring before active growth begins.
Environment
Warm, humid, and shaded environment with indirect light.
Medium
Humus-rich, well-draining medium with added perlite or sand.
Hormone
Not typically required for rhizome division.
Timeline
Rhizomes may establish in 1–2 months; seed propagation can take 1–2 years.
Tools Needed
Clean knife, sterile pot, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Divide only healthy rhizomes; keep soil consistently moist; avoid disturbing new roots.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip dead stems or leaves at the base; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged parts to maintain health.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; remove dead parts; avoid over-pruning; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure it is not too large.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; best when the plant is not actively flowering.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth (spring-summer), allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce frequency in winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility; ensure aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat; yellowing or browning leaves in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows metabolic processes; can cause root damage or dormancy if too cold.
Solution: Protect from frost; provide a sheltered location; avoid placing near cold drafts or windows in winter.
Hot Stress
Can lead to dehydration, leaf scorch, or premature flowering.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; rinse pot periodically to prevent salt buildup.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted orchid fertilizer (¼ strength) every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicNeottia ovata is not toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in felines after ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicNeottia ovata is not toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicNeottia ovata, commonly known as the twayblade, is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Neottia ovata suitable for beginners?
A: No, it is challenging to cultivate and requires specific conditions.
Q: Does this plant have any medicinal uses?
A: There is no widely documented medicinal use for Neottia ovata.
Q: Can this plant be grown indoors?
A: It is primarily an outdoor plant, requiring specific environmental conditions that are difficult to replicate indoors.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Care: | challenging |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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