Photo: Scott W. GavinsCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Small-flowered Onion Orchid Plant Care
Microtis parviflora R.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its slender, grass-like leaves and delicate white flowers, this plant originates from Australia. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique foliage and petite blooms, making it a sought-after addition to their collections.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Small-flowered Onion Orchid?
Water Small-flowered Onion Orchid every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright 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 Small-flowered Onion Orchid Native To?
What Is the Small-flowered Onion Orchid?
Small-flowered Onion Orchid (Microtis parviflora) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Microtis genus. Small-flowered Onion Orchid is native to Australia and New Zealand.
Small-flowered Onion Orchid displays a clumping, terrestrial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Small-flowered Onion Orchid produces small, delicate flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Small-flowered Onion Orchid?
Microtis parviflora 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 Small-flowered Onion Orchid Need?
Small-flowered Onion Orchid thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Small-flowered Onion Orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Small-flowered Onion Orchid Prefer?
Microtis parviflora grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Small-flowered Onion 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 Small-flowered Onion Orchid?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Small-flowered Onion Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Small-flowered Onion Orchid?
Feed Small-flowered Onion 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 Small-flowered Onion 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 Small-flowered Onion Orchid?
Small-flowered Onion Orchid can be propagated through division, keiki propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to few-flowered mignonette orchid plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Small-flowered Onion Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Small-flowered Onion 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 Small-flowered Onion Orchid?
Small-flowered Onion 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 Small-flowered Onion Orchid Need?
Small-flowered Onion Orchid grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 11a. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. Small-flowered Onion Orchid is native to Australia and New Zealand.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8b – 11a
Keep exploring plants
Small-flowered Onion 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 Microtis genus — compare its care with other Microtis species on PlantoScan.
Microtis is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Small-flowered Onion Orchid thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Microtis Species
Other Microtis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Microtis parviflora R.Br., family Orchidaceae (first published in Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland. : 321 (1810)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Small-flowered Onion 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: Scott W. Gavins, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8b – 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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