Spiranthes diluvialis
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Spiranthes diluvialis

Ute ladies'-tresses · Diluvim Ladies'-Tresses · Ladies'-tresses Orchid · Ute lady's tresses · Diluvium ladies'-tresses

Tier 2 Difficulty: hard Water: high Light: partial_sun
Temperature
5–32 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 4–8
Click count
4
Observations
5

Description

Source: leafsnap

Spiranthes diluvialis is a rare species of orchid known as Ute lady's tresses (also, Ute ladies'-tresses). The species name diluvialis means "of the flood". It is native to the western United States, where there are scattered, mostly small occurrences in the states of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. An occurrence was recently discovered in southern British Columbia. The plant faces a number of threats to its existence. It is a federally listed threatened species of the United States.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Ute ladies'-tresses flourish in moist environments, thriving in areas with consistent moisture and a tolerance for humidity. They prefer soil that is evenly moist but not waterlogged and should be watered weekly. These plants are typically found in riparian zones, where their growth and dormancy cycles are closely tied to the availability of water.

☀️ Light Partial sun

Ute ladies'-tresses is native to habitats such as forest understories and rocky areas, where it grows in natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can also tolerate full sun or full shade, illustrating its versatility and hardiness.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 5–32.2°C

Ute ladies'-tresses can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its occurrence may still be restricted by different combinations of water and heat. It does best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or watering. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather or prolonged high temperatures can increase the chance of Ute ladies'-tresses dying. In winter, adequate protection from cold can raise the plant's survival rate.

Ideal temperature: 5–32.2°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize a Ute ladies'-tresses is in early spring, as it leaves dormancy and starts active growth. Fertilization supplies essential nutrients for healthy development. Although Ute ladies'-tresses has fairly low fertilizer requirements, applying fertilizer once a year can improve its survival and encourage stronger, longer-lasting flowers.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Ute ladies'-tresses have beautiful spiraling white flowers and require minimal pruning. Light trimming from early to late spring encourages blooming and promotes healthy growth. It's important to regularly check for pests or diseases. Proper pruning not only enhances the plant's aesthetic appeal but also promotes its vigor. For more detailed care instructions, consult reputable horticultural guides.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Spiranthes
Family
Orchidaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-8
Mature Height
20 cm to 49 cm
Mature Spread
10 cm to 20 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
0.51 cm to 1.02 cm
Bloom Time
Mid summer, Late summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall

Tags (7)

Common Names (13)

en Ute ladies'-tresses
en Diluvim Ladies'-Tresses
en Ladies'-tresses Orchid
en Ute lady's tresses
en Diluvium ladies'-tresses
en Ute Lady’s Tresses
en Diluvim Ladies’-tresses
en Flood Ladies-tresses
en Intermountain Ladies-tresses
en Plateau Lady’s Tresses
en Diluvial ladies'-tresses
en Floodplain ladies'-tresses
en Streambank ladie's-tresses