Smith's twayblade Plant Care
Neottia smithiana Schltr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant features uniquely twisted and spiraled green leaves that are sure to catch the eye of any plant enthusiast. Originating from the Himalayas, Neottia smithiana is highly sought after by collectors for its rarity and distinctive appearance, making it a prized addition to any plant collection.
Every 3–7 days
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
50–70°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Smith's twayblade?
Water Smith's twayblade every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered sunlight or partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–70°F (10–21°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Smith's twayblade Native To?
What Is the Smith's twayblade?
Smith's twayblade (Neottia smithiana) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Neottia genus. Smith's twayblade is native to China. Smith's twayblade is also known as Neottia smithii.
Smith's twayblade displays a clumping terrestrial orchid growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Smith's twayblade produces small, delicate flowers in shades of white, green, or brown.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Smith's twayblade?
Neottia smithiana requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Smith's twayblade Need?
Smith's twayblade thrives in filtered sunlight or partial shade. Avoid placing Smith's twayblade in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Smith's twayblade Prefer?
Neottia smithiana grows best at temperatures of 50–70°F. Smith's twayblade prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–70°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Smith's twayblade?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Smith's twayblade to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Smith's twayblade?
Feed Smith's twayblade 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 Smith's twayblade?
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 Smith's twayblade?
Smith's twayblade can be propagated through division, seed sowing. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bird's nest orchid plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Smith's twayblade Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Smith's twayblade, 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 Smith's twayblade?
Smith's twayblade 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
Smith's twayblade 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 Neottia genus — compare its care with other Neottia species on PlantoScan.
Neottia is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Smith's twayblade produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
More Neottia Species
Other Neottia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Neottia smithiana Schltr., family Orchidaceae (first published in Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 19: 375 (1924)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Smith's twayblade, 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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