Habenaria Radiata (White Egret Orchid Flower): Care, Growing

There are many mysteries and legends in Japan that are associated with the White Egret Orchid Flower. People say that whoever finds this flower will find all the answers to questions that haunt for a long time. Habenaria Radiata is also known as Pecteilis radiata.

Since then, the Japanese have been cultivating this orchid at home for decades. They grow in gardens and yards. It is also often found on the windowsill and also using different types of orchids.

Another legend is associated with the shepherd. He talked for a long time about his fate and difficult lot. I wondered why he was living in poverty, grazing goats, and what other trials lay ahead of him. Once, having seen delicate flowers egrets, floating freely in the sky, I realized that everything is fleeting and unimportant, only nature, which creates such beauty, is of great importance.

This species is listed in the Red Book and is protected by the state, as it is on the verge of extinction due to changes in climatic conditions and a dry period.

habenaria radiata

habenaria radiata origin

The miracle orchid White Heron lives in Russia in the Far East, also in Japan, Asia, Africa, China, Korea, North America, mainly in marshlands, near springs, streams, and in humid forests.

White egret flower Bloom

In spring, a new peduncle grows with small leaves and 3-5 flowers on average.

It reaches 30 cm in height. Leaves are 8 centimeters long, oblong and narrow.

Peduncles are low, the diameter of the flowers is about 5 centimeters.

The opened flowers of such a snow-white orchid. It blooms from mid to late summer. Duration – an average of two weeks, depending on conditions.

An unusual orchid with flowers that really look like flying egrets.

Check out What should I look for when buying an orchid?

Habenaria Radiata External characteristics and distinctive features

The orchid of the genus Habenaria Radiata differs in:

  • a flower in the form of a flying egret;
  • low peduncles;
  • narrow elongated leaves;
  • there is a period of rest;
  • tubers are round or oval in shape;
  • during the dormant period, the stem with leaves withers;
  • the roots grow completely in the ground.

Habenaria Radiata care

Orchids of the genus Habenaria are distinguished by their demanding nature. Therefore, not everyone can find a common language with her.

habenaria radiata care

However, those who have created all the necessary conditions for her do not consider it very finicky.

After flowering, the stem is completely cut off or wait until the orchid dries it itself.

After a period of dormancy and wintering, when new shoots appear, they are placed in a lighted and warm place. Increase watering during this period.

Prerequisites for successful growing:

  1. High humidity, 70-80%
  2. Always wet soil , does not require drying
  3. Lighting is bright for at least 14 hours a day
  4. Cool temperatures during the rest period, in summer during the daytime, no higher than 25-35 degrees, at night 20-22 degrees.

Important! In winter, watering should be reduced; spraying is more suitable. Do not over moisten the substrate, otherwise, the tubers may rot or mold.

Transplat and repotting Habenaria Radiata

You need to transplant the flower after flowering. Before a period of rest. The White Heron Orchid, or rather its tubers, must be planted in a mixture of the following composition:

  • take peat and perlite in equal parts and add a little sand to this mixture. Mix all.
  • Lay expanded clay at the bottom of the pot.
  • Pour the prepared mixture into the pot.
  • Place the tubers 1 cm deep. Place the pointed side up. Sprinkle with soil.
  • Lay the moss on top in a thin layer.
  • Drizzle with plenty of clean water at room temperature.
  • Place the pot in a cool, dark place for wintering. The temperature should be 5-10 degrees Celsius.

Pots

It is better to choose a ceramic or clay pot for this orchid with drainage holes at the bottom.

These pots are completely breathable and breathable.

Top dressing

The best regulators of growth and flowering are systematic fertilizers. Fertilize once a month during growth with a low concentration. When the peduncle has fully grown, and the buds are poured, the feeding is stopped.

Diseases and pests

Due to the high moisture content of the soil, various pests and diseases are often found :

  • rot;
  • podura;
  • mushroom gnats (sciarids);
  • whitefly;
  • mealybug and others.

The fight against pests and diseases consists of the treatment with preparations from rot and pests of leaf mass and roots. As well as transplanting into the new soil.

Prevention of diseases and pests

The best prevention would be the following:

  1. prevent excessive waterlogging of the soil;
  2. processing with green or tar soap on the sheet;
  3. air circulation;
  4. adequate lighting.

Reproduction and Propagation

  • By seeds a long and painstaking way.
  • Tubers.
  • Dividing the bush immediately after flowering.

where to buy White Egret Flower?

You can buy such an orchid:

  • in an online flower shop;
  • from a wholesaler and orchid breeder;
  • from private sellers.

The cost is different. Depends on the place of sale and in what condition the plant is. Blooming or not.

Here check out the Recommended orchid guides

Famous Habenaria Radiata Types

There are many representatives of orchids that belong to this genus Hobernaria. They differ in flower color, shape. Similar to birds. They cannot be confused with another genus of orchids.

There are such types:

Moth orchid

Found in the Kuril Islands and Japan. Grows in height 25 centimeters from oval tubers.

In the lower part, there are thin, elongated leaves of 6-7 pieces of light green color.

The flowers are small, white with side petals spread apart in different directions.

Habenaria medusa

This type of orchid looks more like a jellyfish because of the white petals spread apart in different directions, like tentacles.

There is also a dormant period, and blooms in hot and humid climates.

Found this orchid in the western part of the Malay Archipelago in Indonesia, as well as nearby islands.

In the spring, during the growth period, a new peduncle grows with small leaves and 3-5 flowers on average. The opened flowers of such a snow-white orchid. Blooms in August. It reaches 30 cm in height. Leaves are 8 centimeters long, oblong and narrow.

Platanthera psycodes

It grows in the swampy areas of the Far East, as well as in China, Korea, and Japan. The trunk of this genus of orchids reaches 70 centimeters.

The globular tubers hide in the ground. White flowers are very rare, medium-sized one and a half centimeters.

One peduncle usually grows from 8 to 15 flowers. Lilac color is more common. Blooms from July to August inclusive.

Conclusion

It is possible to grow the Habenaria White Heron orchid at home, taking into account the needs of this plant. This orchid takes pride of place in the floriculture of Japan and Asia. It will become an adornment of any home and a reminder of the legends and secrets that it has kept for many years.

I am an avid plant enthusiast and horticulture aficionado with a deep passion for houseplants. With years of nurturing green companions, my expertise in caring for indoor foliage is well-rooted. Through my journey, I've cultivated insights into optimal plant care, propagation techniques, and creating vibrant indoor ecosystems. Join me as we explore the verdant world of houseplants together. Let's turn your living space into a thriving oasis of botanical beauty. Connect with me on admin@houseplantspro.com and Facebook and explore more at Houseplantspro. 🌿🪴