Serapias lingua
TAXONOMY
FamilyOrchidaceae
GenusSerapias
Zone9
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Serapias lingua, commonly known as the tongue orchid, is a tuberous geophyte native to the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the Orchidaceae family and is known for its distinctive tongue-shaped labellum. This plant thrives in subtropical climates and undergoes a dormancy period during the hot summer months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Helleborine Leucoglottis
Tongue Orchid
Damasonium lingua
Helleborine lingua
Helleborine oxyglottis
Lonchitis oxyglottis
Orchis lingua
Serapias brevibracteata
Serapias columnae
Serapias excavata
Serapias glabra
Serapias laxiflora var. columnae
Serapias lingua f. abnormis
Serapias lingua f. humilis
Serapias lingua f. leucantha
Serapias lingua f. minima
Serapias lingua f. nana
Serapias lingua f. pallidiflora
Serapias lingua f. tenuis
Serapias lingua subsp. lingua
Serapias lingua subsp. oranensis
Serapias lingua subsp. oxyglottis
Serapias lingua subsp. veneris
Serapias lingua var. flavescens
Serapias lingua var. hirsuta
Serapias lingua var. leucantha
Serapias lingua var. longibracteata
Serapias lingua var. oxyglottis
Serapias lingua var. rubescens
Serapias oxyglottis
Serapias oxyglottis var. pallescens
Serapias pallidiflora
Serapias pseudocordigera var. pallescens
Serapiastrum lingua
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterWet
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity60%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
WANT MORE TIPS?
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Serapias lingua requires bright, indirect light and moderate temperatures. It prefers a humid environment and should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely. This orchid can be grown both indoors and outdoors, provided it is protected from direct sunlight.Soil
The tongue orchid prefers well-draining loam soil. A mix of loam with some organic matter works well. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged, as good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season. Reduce feeding during the dormancy period.Repotting
Repot Serapias lingua every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot. Repotting is best done in the early spring before the growing season begins. Use fresh, well-draining soil and a slightly larger pot.Propagation
Propagate Serapias lingua by dividing the tubers during the dormancy period. Carefully separate the tubers and plant them in individual pots with fresh soil. Ensure each division has at least one healthy growth point.Pruning
Pruning is not typically required for Serapias lingua. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to maintain the plant's appearance and health.Toxicity
Serapias lingua is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, it is always best to keep plants out of reach of pets and children to avoid any accidental ingestion.Additional
Ensure the plant has good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. During the dormancy period, reduce watering and allow the plant to rest. Resume regular care once new growth appears.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
