Spider Orchid Plant Care
Bartholina burmanniana (L.) Ker Gawl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Bartholina burmanniana, the spider orchid, is a species of deciduous, geophytic, flowering plant in the family Orchidaceae. It is one of two species within the Bartholina genus, the other being B.
Bright indirect light
At a glance
How do you care for Spider Orchid?
Spider Orchid grows best in bright indirect light.
Where Is the Spider Orchid Native To?
What Is the Spider Orchid?
Spider Orchid (Bartholina burmanniana) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Bartholina genus. Spider Orchid is native to the Eastern and the Western Cape Provinces of South Africa, flowering from the end of August to the middle of October and peaking in September.
Spider Orchid displays a clumping, epiphytic orchid growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Spider Orchid produces small, fragrant flowers in various colors like white, pink, or purple.
What Light Does the Spider Orchid Need?
Spider Orchid thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Spider 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 Spider Orchid?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark chips and sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential for Spider Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Spider Orchid?
Repot every 2-3 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 Spider Orchid?
Spider Orchid can be propagated through division of pseudobulbs.
Is the Spider Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spider 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 Spider Orchid?
Spider Orchid is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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
Spider 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 Bartholina genus — compare its care with other Bartholina species on PlantoScan.
Bartholina is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Spider 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: Bartholina burmanniana (L.) Ker Gawl., family Orchidaceae (first published in Brand. J. Sci. 4: 204 (1818)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spider 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.
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