Growing White Egret Flower (Habenaria radiata): A Terrestrial Orchid

Growing Habenaria radiata (White Egret Flower)

This terrestrial orchid from Asia produces exquisite, fringed white flowers resembling egrets in flight on 5–9 inch spikes. Plants grow from fleshy tubers with strap-like leaves and emerge slowly in spring.

Light, Water, and Soil

Full sun to partial shade. Keep evenly moist but not wet; water if rainfall is insufficient. Well-drained, slightly acidic, humus-rich soil is essential. Fertilize lightly at 10–20% strength once or twice as flower shoots emerge.

Winter Care

Mulch in winter; remove mulch in spring. In zone 5 and colder, grow in containers and overwinter in a cold (30–35°F), dark area for dormancy. In warmer zones, pot up and provide three months of cold before returning outside.