Platanthera hologlottis ("Mizuchidori")

Japanese name: ミズチドリ （水千鳥）
Scientific name: Platanthera hologlottis

[Overview]
A perennial 50–90 cm tall, growing in mesotrophic mountain wetlands and at the edges of marshes.
A terrestrial orchid.
The roots are thickened and extend like cords.
The leaves are simple and alternate, 5–12 in number; the 4–6 on the lower part of the stem are large, linear-lanceolate, 10–20 cm long, with entire margins and bases that clasp the stem.
The leaves become smaller toward the upper part of the stem.
A raceme bears many flowers.
The bracts are linear-lanceolate and extend above the flowers.
The flowers are white, and the dorsal sepal and lateral petals form a hood.
The lip is obovate and hangs down like a tongue.
A spur 1–1.2 cm long hangs down behind the flower.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by division of tubers, but it does not multiply much.
It prefers sunny, moisture-retentive soil that is low in nutrients.
If the leaves are scorched by strong midsummer sun, provide 50–60% shading.
From spring to autumn, place a saucer under the pot and water from below; stop this during winter dormancy, but water when the soil begins to dry so that it does not dry out completely.
In early summer, apply diluted liquid fertilizer once or twice a month.
Pests and diseases include virus disease, thrips and aphids.
Prevent virus disease by spraying a fungicide regularly.

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