Yellow Bee Orchid
ophrys lutea
Also known as: ["Yellow Bee Orchid","Ophrys lutea"]
Overview
A terrestrial orchid species native to the Mediterranean region, known for its distinctive yellowish-brown flowers resembling a bee.
Benefits & Perks
["rare/collector’s item","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Genus: | Ophrys |
| Botanical Name: | Ophrys lutea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock garden, alpine trough, or sunny border
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogged roots.
- Soil Type: Well-draining orchid mix, such as a blend of bark, perlite, and peat moss.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very high
- Toughness Level: very low
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when dead foliage is present.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning to remove only dead or diseased parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates. Adjust exposure based on seasonal light intensity.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate the plant gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching. Place in a spot with filtered light if outdoors, or near an east-facing window indoors. Avoid direct afternoon sun.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
expert onlychallenging
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; provide shade during peak summer hours.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, rocky or sandy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 5.5–6.5.
Ensure pot has drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; maintain slightly moist but not wet soil.
Temperature
Prefers moderate temperatures, ideally 60–75°F (15–24°C). Can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 50°F (10°C) but avoid prolonged exposure to frost.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from cold drafts; maintain consistent room temperature.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth, none in winter
Always dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize after watering to avoid root damage; stop fertilizing in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is the primary method, though it is challenging due to symbiotic fungi required for germination. Division of mature clumps can also be attempted.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- For seeds: Sow on sterile medium with mycorrhizal fungi.
- Keep moist and warm. For division: Carefully separate offsets, replant in fresh medium, and water lightly.
Best Time: Spring, when the plant is actively growing and has sufficient energy reserves.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and indirect light for successful propagation.
Medium
A specialized orchid mix or a blend of peat moss and sand, with added mycorrhizal fungi for seed germination.
Hormone
Not applicable for seed propagation; division may benefit from a mild rooting hormone.
Timeline
Seed germination can take several months to years; division may produce new growth within a few months.
Tools Needed
Sterile knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), sterile propagation medium, humidity dome or plastic bag.
Quick Tips
Ensure sterile conditions to prevent fungal infections; provide consistent moisture for seeds; handle divisions gently to avoid root damage.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off dead leaves at the base and cut flower spikes back to the base after blooming.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning is required. Focus on removing dead or damaged leaves and spent flower spikes to maintain plant health and appearance.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Disinfect tools before use; prune dead or damaged parts; remove spent flower spikes; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late spring or early summer, after flowering and as new growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one, ensuring it has adequate drainage holes.
Method
Carefully remove the plant from its pot, gently tease apart any tangled roots, trim any dead or rotting roots, and repot in fresh orchid mix with good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the potting medium breaks down. Repotting is best done after flowering when the plant is entering its growth phase.
Checklist
Use fresh orchid mix; ensure good drainage; handle roots gently; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water at the base; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, allowing water to penetrate deeply. Ensure excess water drains away completely to prevent root rot. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during winter dormancy, increasing frequency in spring and summer to keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in fall as growth slows.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter like peat moss to retain moisture without waterlogging.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing or browning leaves, stunted growth, bud drop, or wilting can indicate temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow metabolic processes, leading to reduced growth and potential damage to tender tissues.
Solution: Move the plant to a warmer location, protect from drafts, and ensure it is not exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, dehydration, and wilting, especially if combined with intense sunlight.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and ensure adequate watering to prevent dehydration.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; rinse soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced orchid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing during dormancy (fall and winter).
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicOphrys lutea is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported cases of adverse effects in felines after exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Not applicable
Dogs
Non-toxicOphrys lutea is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported cases of adverse effects in canines after exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Not applicable
Humans
Non-toxicOphrys lutea is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is a terrestrial orchid species that is generally considered safe for human contact and consumption.
⚡ Toxic If:
Not applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ophrys lutea easy to grow?
A: No, it is challenging to grow and requires specific conditions, making it suitable only for expert growers.
Q: Does Ophrys lutea attract wildlife?
A: Yes, its flowers mimic bees, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Q: Is Ophrys lutea toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information on its toxicity to pets; it is best to keep it away from animals.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Care: | expert only |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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