White Egret Flower - Tuber

In spring, Habenaria radiata can be planted in pots, window-boxes or in the garden. If you prefer the White Egret Flower in a pot, do use one with holes in the base with a layer of pot shards or clay pellets in the bottom. Improve potting soil with some sharp sand and compost. Plant the tubers at 1 cm from the top of the pot and 10 cm apart. Cover with a light covering of soil and press firmly down. Immediately after planting, generously water your White Egret Flower.

The White Egret Flower's usual habitat is in swampy ground that dries up in the autumn. Plant in the garden only if you can keep your Habenaria radiata reasonably moist in the growing season, planting at a distance of 15 cm. The White Egret Flower prefers a cool, damp spot in the sun. They will survive the winter if you dig them up, allow them to dry off and store them in compost in a cool, frost-free area. Spray the compost with water once a month to prevent it drying out entirely.

Habenaria radiata is a species of dwarf orchid from the humid mountain ranges of Japan, Korea, China and Russia. The so-called White Egret Flower has petals resembling that of a bird's wings. This evocative plant makes a lovely house plant and can easily go outdoors to a sunny spot after flowering.

The Habenaria should be sprayed with rain water (preferably) and during the summer the soil must be kept constantly, fairly moist. Give regular feeds of plant food during the flowering season (summer) but only half the recommended dose.

The White Egret Flower forms tubers in the soil. This is an indication that this plant requires a dormant period. Water the White Egret Flower less in the autumn, until the leaves die back, then store it dry in the pot in a frost-free area. At the end of March remove the tubers from the pot. The old (dark brown or black) tubers can be discarded. The younger (light brown) tubers can be planted in fresh potting compost mixed with sharp sand, with the point upwards. Water a little more as the plants begin to form leaves, then stand in a warmer position such as the living room, although this could be outdoors as long as it is warm. Now would be the time to start adding plant food to the watering can.