Ophrys speculum
Care, watering, light and tips for Ophrys speculum on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Orchidaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Indirect light
- Temperature: 15–30 °C
About Ophrys speculum
Ophrys speculum, also known as the 'Mirror Orchid', is a captivating terrestrial orchid renowned for its velvety labellum that mimics the abdomen of a female bee, featuring a brilliant blue, mirror-like patch. This unique adaptation attracts male pollinators, which attempt to mate with the flower. It is a small, delicate plant, ideal for rock gardens, rare orchid collections, or for adding a touch of botanical intrigue in a naturalized setting.
Native range
Mediterranean region, from the Iberian Peninsula to North Africa and the Middle East.
Care tips
It requires full sun to light partial shade and a very well-drained substrate, typically calcareous and nutrient-poor, such as a mix of gravel, sand, and garden soil. Watering should be moderate during the growing period (autumn-spring), drastically reduced or suspended during summer when the plant enters dormancy. A common mistake is overwatering or using a moisture-retentive substrate, which rots the tubers; ensure the soil dries completely between waterings.
How to save a dying Ophrys speculum
- Warning signs
- Soft, yellowing or blackened leaves; no flowering; rot at the base.
- First aid
- Remove plant from substrate, inspect roots, cut rotten ones. Repot in dry, airy substrate, specific for terrestrial orchids.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, compacted substrate that retains too much moisture, lack of drainage.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't affected the entire rhizome and healthy roots remain.