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Monkey orchid
Monkey orchid
Monkey orchid
Monkey orchid
Monkey orchid
Monkey orchid
Monkey orchid
Orchis simia
Also known as : Ape orchid
Monkey orchid (Orchis simia) earns its name from its flower which resembles a monkey’s body. The plant has a wide range and is found in central and southern Europe the Meditteranean the Middle East and North Africa where it grows best in limestone soil and partial shade. Orchis simia is an early blooming orchid and will begin flowering in Mid spring or Late spring depending on the climate.
Hardiness Zones
Hardiness Zones
5 to 8
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Key Facts About Monkey orchid

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Attributes of Monkey orchid

Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Bloom Time
Spring, Summer
Plant Height
15 cm to 30 cm
Spread
15 cm
Flower Color
White
Pink
Purple
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
5 - 32 ℃

Scientific Classification of Monkey orchid

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distribution

Distribution of Monkey orchid

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Habitat of Monkey orchid

Dry grassland, Meadows and pastures on calcareous soils
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere

Distribution Map of Monkey orchid

Monkey orchid is indigenous to a variety of temperate climates, primarily across the Mediterranean region and parts of Western Asia. While its presence is naturally confined to these areas, it has been introduced and naturalized in Central Europe, expanding its range beyond its original habitats.
distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
habit
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Questions About Monkey orchid

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Watering Watering Watering
Sunlight Sunlight Sunlight
Temperature Temperature Temperature
What is the best way to water my Monkey orchid?
The manner in which you water the Monkey orchid will depend somewhat on whether or not your plant is in an active growth phase. If so, you should apply water to your plant’s soil and, if the weather is warm, perform occasional overhead watering to allow the plant to absorb moisture through its leaves. By contrast, in winter, and when the weather is cool or wet generally, you should stick to watering the soil directly rather than including overhead watering as well. You’ll know your Monkey orchid needs more water if its roots and leaves become thin and dry or show discoloration. Monkey orchid receives too much water will look mushy and limp. You should grow your Monkey orchid in a pot and ensure that the potting mix you use has fantastic drainage. During the growing season, you’ll need to water this plant multiple times per week. However, each watering should drain quickly through the growing medium to prevent any standing water. The amount of water you give will change based on the size of the pot you use. Generally, pots that are a bit larger will need water less frequently, while smaller pots will have a slightly more frequent watering schedule. Rainwater and distilled water are the best kinds of water to use for this plant, and it is best if the water you use matches the temperature of the air as closely as possible.
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What should I do if I water my Monkey orchid too much or too little?
Allowing your Monkey orchid to sit in soil that remains too moist for too long is one of the most common ways to kill this plant. While these plants need water frequently during active growth, they also need to live in a growing medium that drains water rapidly. When this plant experiences overwatering, it will become mushy and develop root rot. If that occurs, you should be prepared to use a pair of sterile pruning shears to cut out any roots that show signs of rot. After doing that, you should then repot your Monkey orchid, ensuring that the container allows for drainage and that you fill the container with a fast-draining potting mix. However, Monkey orchid doesn’t typically respond that well to excessive repotting, so it is crucial to get your watering rate right. Underwatered Monkey orchid will begin to shrivel and feel dry to the touch. If this occurs, it is likely because the soil is drying out faster than you expected, which means you should increase your watering frequency.
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How often should I water my Monkey orchid?
During the active growth stage, which spans the spring and summer months, you should plan to water your Monkey orchid about once or twice per week while increasing that rate to three times per week or more in the case of long periods of hot and dry weather. In the winter, you will also need to water your Monkey orchid, but not nearly as much. A watering frequency of two to three times per month should be enough to keep your Monkey orchid alive during the coldest months. However, if you keep your Monkey orchid indoors during winter, you should account for the fact that indoor growing locations can cause the soil to dry quicker than usual, which may mean you need to increase the number of monthly waterings. You can use the fall as a time to gradually reduce your watering frequency from the summer rate of multiple times per week down to your reduced winter watering schedule.
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What should I consider when watering my Monkey orchid in different seasons and growth periods?
There are two important growth phases that you should consider when planning the watering schedule for your Monkey orchid. The first of those periods is the active growth period, which happens in spring and summer, and which calls for watering this plant multiple times per week. The second important growth period is the rest period that the Monkey orchid should experience for about two to three months each year during winter. During that time, your plant will need far less water and fertilization than normal. Water about once or twice per month during this time. During the fall, you should begin to gradually reduce your watering frequency from multiple times per week all the way down to the once or twice per month rate that is appropriate for winter.
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How should I water my Monkey orchid differently if I grow it indoors?
The Monkey orchid requires a growing environment that is relatively humid. Unfortunately, most indoor growing locations will lack the level of air moisture that this plant prefers. This causes the plant and its soil to dry out more quickly than it would when growing outdoors. To combat this effect, you may want to include a humidifier in the room where you grow your Monkey orchid. You may also need to water it a bit more frequently as well. However, while Monkey orchids do prefer humidity, they also require adequate air circulation as well, to prevent excessive moisture build-ups and the diseases that can result. Consider including a fan in the room where you grow this plant as well to ensure proper air circulation remains present.
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More Info on Monkey Orchid Growth and Care

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Basic Care Guide
Lighting
Full sun
Monkey orchid necessitates ample exposure to sunlight for robust growth. It can manage in conditions with moderate sun exposure. It's origins in sunny habitats have acclimated it well to abundant sunlight. However, moderation is crucial as too much can lead to withering, while insufficient may result in poor health and growth.
Best Sunlight Practices
Temperature
-20 - 35 ℃
Monkey orchid is native to environments where temperatures range from 41 to 89.6 °F (5 to 32 ℃). It prefers these moderate temperatures, adjusting to cooler or warmer conditions can be challenging. Regular checks during seasonal changes are essential to ensure optimal temperature range.
Temp for Healthy Growth
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Plants Related to Monkey orchid

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Chinese okra
Chinese okra
Chinese okra (Luffa acutangula) is a vigorous climbing vine and food crop that is grown for its immature fruit. Its fruit has a cylindrical shape and measures about 46 cm long. Yellow flowers open in late afternoon and stay open until the next morning.
Mexican-hat-plant
Mexican-hat-plant
Mexican-hat-plant (Chiranthodendron pentadactylon) is sometimes called the "Devils Hand Tree" because its quirky flowers look like a red hand reaching out of the plant. In its native Guatemala and Mexico, it is called árbol de la manita, which means 'the little hand tree.' Since the 1940's, it has been featured as the symbol of the Botanical Society of Mexico.
Foxtail agave
Foxtail agave
Foxtail agave (Agave attenuata) is an agave species native to the State of Jalisco in central Mexico. Foxtail agave is a popular ornamental species in gardens in subtropical climates. This species grows best in loamy soil protected from direct sunlight. This species may die if it is exposed to prolonged periods of frost.
Spanish needles
Spanish needles
Spanish needles (Bidens bipinnata) are a very common flowering plant that is evolutionarily related to daisies. The spanish needles is native to North America and Asia, and grows throughout the world. The spanish needles is considered a hearty plant that can grow in a wide range of environmental conditions.
Elephant creeper
Elephant creeper
Elephant creeper (Argyreia nervosa) is a tropical Asian climbing vine that ambles along the ground and up whatever tree it finds. This species can be invasive and is considered a noxious weed in some non-native areas. It is so aggressive it has taken over a large chunk of rainforest in Australia, making native plants struggle to survive.
Mirror plant
Mirror plant
Mirror plant (Coprosma repens) is a plant species native to New Zealand. Mirror plant is also called tree bedstraw or marble queen. This species is popular in coastal gardens because it is resistant to salt spray. The scientific name of this species Coprosma repens means "dung smell," referring to the foul smell that this species emits when the leaves are crushed.
Cape jasmine
Cape jasmine
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
Golden pothos
Golden pothos
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
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Distribution
Care FAQ
More About How-Tos
Related Plants
Monkey orchid
Monkey orchid
Monkey orchid
Monkey orchid
Monkey orchid
Monkey orchid
Monkey orchid
Orchis simia
Also known as: Ape orchid
Monkey orchid (Orchis simia) earns its name from its flower which resembles a monkey’s body. The plant has a wide range and is found in central and southern Europe the Meditteranean the Middle East and North Africa where it grows best in limestone soil and partial shade. Orchis simia is an early blooming orchid and will begin flowering in Mid spring or Late spring depending on the climate.
Hardiness Zones
Hardiness Zones
5 to 8
more
plant_info

Key Facts About Monkey orchid

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Feedback
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Attributes of Monkey orchid

Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Bloom Time
Spring, Summer
Plant Height
15 cm to 30 cm
Spread
15 cm
Flower Color
White
Pink
Purple
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
5 - 32 ℃
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Scientific Classification of Monkey orchid

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distribution

Distribution of Monkey orchid

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Feedback
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Habitat of Monkey orchid

Dry grassland, Meadows and pastures on calcareous soils
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere

Distribution Map of Monkey orchid

Monkey orchid is indigenous to a variety of temperate climates, primarily across the Mediterranean region and parts of Western Asia. While its presence is naturally confined to these areas, it has been introduced and naturalized in Central Europe, expanding its range beyond its original habitats.
distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
question

Questions About Monkey orchid

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Feedback
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Watering Watering Watering
Sunlight Sunlight Sunlight
Temperature Temperature Temperature
What is the best way to water my Monkey orchid?
more
What should I do if I water my Monkey orchid too much or too little?
more
How often should I water my Monkey orchid?
more
What should I consider when watering my Monkey orchid in different seasons and growth periods?
more
How should I water my Monkey orchid differently if I grow it indoors?
more
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More Info on Monkey Orchid Growth and Care

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Basic Care Guide
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Plants Related to Monkey orchid

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Lighting
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Outdoor
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Requirements
Full sun
Ideal
Above 6 hours sunlight
Partial sun
Tolerance
About 3-6 hours sunlight
Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness.
Essentials
Monkey orchid necessitates ample exposure to sunlight for robust growth. It can manage in conditions with moderate sun exposure. It's origins in sunny habitats have acclimated it well to abundant sunlight. However, moderation is crucial as too much can lead to withering, while insufficient may result in poor health and growth.
Preferred
Tolerable
Unsuitable
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Artificial lighting
Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
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Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.
Important Symptoms
Symptoms of Insufficient Light in %s
Monkey orchid thrives in full sunlight and is commonly grown outdoors where it receives ample sunlight. When placed in rooms with inadequate lighting, symptoms of light deficiency may not be readily apparent.
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Small leaves
New leaves may grow smaller in size compared to the previous ones once they have matured.
Leggy or sparse growth
The spaces between leaves or stems of your Monkey orchid may become longer, resulting in a thin and stretched-out appearance. This can make the plant look sparse and weak, and it may easily break or lean due to its own weight.
Faster leaf drop
When plants are exposed to low light conditions, they tend to shed older leaves early to conserve resources. Within a limited time, these resources can be utilized to grow new leaves until the plant's energy reserves are depleted.
Slower or no new growth
Monkey orchid enters a survival mode when light conditions are poor, which leads to a halt in leaf production. As a result, the plant's growth becomes delayed or stops altogether.
Lighter-colored new leaves
Insufficient sunlight can cause leaves to develop irregular color patterns or appear pale. This indicates a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients.
Solutions
1. To ensure optimal growth, gradually move plants to a sunnier location each week, until they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Use a south-facing window and keep curtains open during the day for maximum sunlight exposure and nutrient accumulation.2. To provide additional light for your plant, consider using artificial light if it's large or not easily movable. Keep a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or invest in professional plant grow lights for ample light.
Symptoms of Excessive light in %s
Monkey orchid thrives in full sun exposure and can tolerate intense sunlight. With their remarkable resilience, symptoms of sunburn may not be easily visible, as they rarely suffer from it.
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Chlorosis
Chlorosis is a condition where the plant's leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll from excessive sunlight, which negatively affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize.
Sunscald
Sunscald occurs when the plant's leaves or stems are damaged by intense sunlight exposure. It appears as pale, bleached, or necrotic areas on the plant tissue and can reduce the plant's overall health.
Leaf Curling
Leaf curling is a symptom where leaves curl or twist under extreme sunlight conditions. This is a defense mechanism used by the plant to reduce its surface area exposed to sunlight, minimizing water loss and damage.
Wilting
Wilting occurs when a plant loses turgor pressure and its leaves and stems begin to droop. Overexposure to sunlight can cause wilting by increasing the plant's water loss through transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to maintain adequate hydration.
Leaf Scorching
Leaf scorching is a symptom characterized by the appearance of brown, dry, and crispy edges or patches on leaves due to excessive sunlight. This can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.
Solutions
1. Move your plant to the optimal position where it can receive abundant sunlight but also have some shade. An east-facing window is an ideal choice as the morning sunlight is gentler. This way, your plant can enjoy ample sunlight while reducing the risk of sunburn.2. It is recommended to trim off any completely dehydrated or withered parts of the plant.
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Temperature
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Requirements
Ideal
Tolerable
Unsuitable
Just like people, each plant has its own preferences. Learn about your plants' temperature needs and create a comforting environment for them to flourish. As you care for your plants, your bond with them will deepen. Trust your intuition as you learn about their temperature needs, celebrating the journey you share. Lovingly monitor the temperature around your plants and adjust their environment as needed. A thermometer can be your ally in this heartfelt endeavor. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you explore your plants' temperature needs. Cherish your successes, learn from challenges, and nurture your garden with love, creating a haven that reflects the warmth of your care.
Essentials
Monkey orchid is native to environments where temperatures range from 41 to 89.6 °F (5 to 32 ℃). It prefers these moderate temperatures, adjusting to cooler or warmer conditions can be challenging. Regular checks during seasonal changes are essential to ensure optimal temperature range.
Regional wintering strategies
Monkey orchid has strong cold resistance, so special frost protection measures are usually not necessary during winter. However, if the winter temperatures are expected to drop below {Limit_growth_temperature}, it is still important to provide cold protection. This can be achieved by covering the plant with materials such as soil or straw. Before the first freeze in autumn, it is recommended to water the plant abundantly, ensuring the soil remains moist and enters a frozen state. This helps prevent drought and water scarcity for the plant during winter and early spring.
Important Symptoms
Symptoms of Low Temperature in Monkey orchid
Monkey orchid is cold-tolerant and thrives best when the temperature is above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min}. During winter, it should be kept above {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min}. When the temperature falls below {Limit_growth_temperature}, although there may not be any noticeable changes during winter, there may be a decrease in sprouting or even no sprouting during springtime.
Solutions
In spring, remove any parts that have failed to sprout.
Symptoms of High Temperature in Monkey orchid
During summer, Monkey orchid should be kept below {Suitable_growth_temperature_max}. When the temperature exceeds {Tolerable_growing_temperature_max}, the leaves of the plant may become lighter in color, prone to curling, susceptible to sunburn, and in severe cases, the entire plant may wilt and become dry.
Solutions
Trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts. Move the plant to a location that provides shade from the midday and afternoon sun, or use a shade cloth to create shade. Water the plant in the morning and evening to keep the soil moist.
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