Bee orchid (Ophrys apifera)
Care, watering, light and tips for Bee orchid on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Orchidaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Indirect light
- Temperature: 15–30 °C
About Bee orchid
Ophrys apifera, commonly known as the Bee Orchid, is a small terrestrial orchid famous for its flowers that mimic the shape and color of a female bee to attract pollinators. Its delicate, brownish and pinkish flowers are arranged in a floral spike. It is an ideal plant for rock gardens, natural meadows, or as a botanical curiosity in specialized collections.
Native range
Mediterranean region of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Care tips
It requires a sunny or semi-shady exposure and well-drained soil, preferably calcareous and poor in nutrients. Watering should be moderate during growth and flowering, drastically reducing or suspending it during the summer dormancy period. Avoid excessive humidity, especially in winter, as it can lead to tuber rot. A common mistake is attempting to transplant it frequently, as it is very sensitive to disturbance of its roots and mycorrhizal associations.
How to save a dying Bee orchid
- Warning signs
- Wilting or yellowing leaves, absent or deformed flowers, soft bulb.
- First aid
- Check substrate (must be porous and well-draining). Reduce watering if waterlogged.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and compacted substrate. Root rot is lethal.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if the bulb is still firm and there's no advanced rot.