Ophrys apifera
TAXONOMY
FamilyOrchidaceae
GenusOphrys
Zone7
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Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Ophrys apifera, commonly known as the Bee Orchid, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Orchidaceae. It is native to Europe, the Mediterranean region, and parts of the Middle East. The plant is known for its distinctive flowers that mimic the appearance of a female bee, which attracts male bees for pollination. It prefers temperate climates and typically grows in well-drained calcareous soils.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Bee Orchid
Orchis Holoserica
Arachnites apifera
Ophrys adrachnites
Ophrys albiflora
Ophrys apifera f. almaracensis
Ophrys apifera f. aurita
Ophrys apifera f. badensis
Ophrys apifera f. basiliensis
Ophrys apifera f. belgarum
Ophrys apifera f. bicolor
Ophrys apifera f. botteronii
Ophrys apifera f. brevilabellata
Ophrys apifera f. chodatii
Ophrys apifera f. curviflora
Ophrys apifera f. flaveola
Ophrys apifera f. flavescens
Ophrys apifera f. friburgensis
Ophrys apifera f. fulvofusca
Ophrys apifera f. patinata
Ophrys apifera f. pauciflora
Ophrys apifera f. tilaventina
Ophrys apifera f. trollii
Ophrys apifera subsp. austriaca
Ophrys apifera subsp. botteronii
Ophrys apifera subsp. chlorantha
Ophrys apifera subsp. friburgensis
Ophrys apifera subsp. jurana
Ophrys apifera subsp. muteliae
Ophrys apifera subsp. purpurea
Ophrys apifera subsp. trollii
Ophrys apifera var. almaracensis
Ophrys apifera var. atrofusca
Ophrys apifera var. aurita
Ophrys apifera var. austriaca
Ophrys apifera var. badensis
Ophrys apifera var. basiliensis
Ophrys apifera var. belgarum
Ophrys apifera var. bicolor
Ophrys apifera var. botteronii
Ophrys apifera var. brevilabellata
Ophrys apifera var. cambrensis
Ophrys apifera var. chlorantha
Ophrys apifera var. cordatitepala
Ophrys apifera var. curviflora
Ophrys apifera var. filitepala
Ophrys apifera var. flavescens
Ophrys apifera var. friburgensis
Ophrys apifera var. fulvofusca
Ophrys apifera var. immaculata
Ophrys apifera var. laetitiae
Ophrys apifera var. muteliae
Ophrys apifera var. olimpiadae
Ophrys apifera var. patinata
Ophrys apifera var. purpurea
Ophrys apifera var. saraepontana
Ophrys apifera var. speciosa
Ophrys apifera var. subterrostrunca
Ophrys apifera var. tilaventina
Ophrys apifera var. trollii
Ophrys apifera var. urbinensis
Ophrys aquisgranensis
Ophrys asilifera
Ophrys austriaca
Ophrys bicolor
Ophrys botteronii
Ophrys chlorantha
Ophrys ×epeirophora
Ophrys friburgensis
Ophrys immaculata
Ophrys integra
Ophrys jurana
Ophrys mangini
Ophrys picta var. oestrifera
Ophrys purpurea
Ophrys ripaensis
Ophrys rostrata
Ophrys saraepontana
Ophrys scolopax subsp. oestrifera
Ophrys scolopax var. oestrifera
Ophrys trollii
Orchis apifera
Orchis oestrifera
Orchis pseudoapifera
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity60%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
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DETAILS
Care Instructions
Bee Orchids require moderate temperatures and indirect bright light. They thrive in environments with moderate humidity and should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. They do not require frequent pruning and can be grown both indoors and outdoors.Soil
Bee Orchids prefer well-drained loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The soil should be kept relatively dry, and good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. A mix of loam and sand can be beneficial for optimal growth.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize sparingly during the growing season, typically once a month. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can harm the plant.Repotting
Repot Bee Orchids every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container. Repotting is best done in the spring. Use a well-draining orchid mix and ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.Propagation
Bee Orchids can be propagated through division of the tubers. This is best done during the dormancy period in late autumn or early winter. Carefully separate the tubers and plant them in individual pots with a suitable orchid mix.Pruning
Pruning is not typically required for Bee Orchids. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to maintain plant health and appearance. Avoid cutting healthy growth.Toxicity
Bee Orchids are not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, as with all plants, it is best to keep them out of reach of pets and children to prevent any accidental ingestion.Additional
Bee Orchids have a fascinating pollination strategy that involves mimicking the appearance and scent of female bees to attract male bees. This unique adaptation makes them a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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