Photo: Connor MargettsCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Sesame orchid Plant Care
Gastrodia sesamoides Petrie
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant can be easily identified by its striking lack of leaves, instead displaying a tall, leafless stem topped with clusters of small flowers. Native to Australia and New Zealand, Gastrodia sesamoides is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rarity and unusual growth habit, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Low to medium indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Sesame orchid?
Water Sesame orchid every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it low to medium indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Sesame orchid Native To?
What Is the Sesame orchid?
Sesame orchid (Gastrodia sesamoides) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Gastrodia genus. Sesame orchid is native to Australia and New Zealand.
Sesame orchid displays a terrestrial, mycoheterotrophic growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Sesame orchid produces small, inconspicuous flowers with unique pollination mechanisms.
How Often Should You Water a Sesame orchid?
Gastrodia sesamoides requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Sesame orchid Need?
Sesame orchid thrives in low to medium indirect light. Avoid placing Sesame orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Low to medium indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sesame orchid Prefer?
Gastrodia sesamoides grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Sesame orchid prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sesame orchid?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark and sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential for Sesame orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sesame orchid?
Feed Sesame orchid every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Sesame 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 Sesame orchid?
Sesame orchid can be propagated through division of pseudobulbs, back bulbs, or keikis. Similar propagation techniques also apply to potato orchid plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Sesame orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Sesame 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 Sesame orchid?
Sesame 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Sesame orchid Need?
Sesame orchid grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11a. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Sesame orchid is native to Australia and New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Sesame orchid as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11a
Keep exploring plants
Sesame 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 Gastrodia genus — compare its care with other Gastrodia species on PlantoScan.
Gastrodia is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Sesame orchid copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Gastrodia Species
Other Gastrodia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Gastrodia sesamoides Petrie, family Orchidaceae (first published in Trans. & Proc. New Zealand Inst. xxvi. 1893 (1894) 272.) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sesame 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.
- Photo: Connor Margetts, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11a, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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