Description
Habenaria –
There are 500-600 species of evergreen and deciduous, terrestrial orchids, in this genus. They occur in grassland in both tropical and temperate regions, especially in tropical South America, temperate North America, Africa, and Asia. They have fleshy, underground tubers and produce basal tufts of smooth, dark green leaves. Smaller, sheathing leaves are produced on leafy stems, which bear terminal racemes, 5-9″ long, of mostly green or white, hooded flowers with brightly colored lips.
Cool to intermediate growing orchids (see chart below). Grow in terrestrial orchid potting mix in bright filtered light. Pot on in spring. During the growing season, water freely and apply a dilute balanced liquid fertilizer at every third watering, keep just moist in winter..
Prone to spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, and rust.
