Dragon's Mouth Orchid Plant Care
Arethusa bulbosa L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Arethusa bulbosa, commonly called dragon's mouth orchid, is the only species in the orchid genus Arethusa. The genus is named after a naiad of Greek mythology.
Bright indirect light
At a glance
How do you care for Dragon's Mouth Orchid?
Dragon's Mouth Orchid grows best in bright indirect light.
What Is the Dragon's Mouth Orchid?
Dragon's Mouth Orchid (Arethusa bulbosa) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Arethusa genus. Dragon's Mouth Orchid is also known as Arethusa.
Dragon's Mouth Orchid displays a clumping, terrestrial growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Dragon's Mouth Orchid produces showy, colorful blooms in various shades.
What Light Does the Dragon's Mouth Orchid Need?
Dragon's Mouth Orchid thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Dragon's Mouth Orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dragon's Mouth Orchid?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark and sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential for Dragon's Mouth Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Dragon's Mouth Orchid?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Dragon's Mouth Orchid?
Dragon's Mouth Orchid can be propagated through division, back bulbs.
Is the Dragon's Mouth Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dragon's Mouth Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Dragon's Mouth Orchid?
Dragon's Mouth Orchid is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Dragon's Mouth Orchid is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Arethusa genus — compare its care with other Arethusa species on PlantoScan.
Arethusa is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Dragon's Mouth Orchid thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Arethusa bulbosa L., family Orchidaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 950 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dragon's Mouth Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Dragon's Mouth Orchid Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species