Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Late Spider Orchid Plant Care
Ophrys fuciflora (F.W.Schmidt) Moench
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This orchid species is known for its vibrant pink flowers with intricate black markings, resembling an exotic insect. Originating from the Mediterranean region, Ophrys fuciflora is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique and alluring appearance that adds a touch of wild beauty to any garden.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Late Spider Orchid?
Water Late Spider 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 Late Spider Orchid Native To?
What Is the Late Spider Orchid?
Late Spider Orchid (Ophrys fuciflora) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Ophrys genus. Late Spider Orchid is native to western and central Europe and the Mediterranean region. Late Spider Orchid is also known as Early Spider Orchid.
Late Spider Orchid displays a clumping, terrestrial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Late Spider Orchid produces intricate, bee-mimicking flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Late Spider Orchid?
Ophrys fuciflora 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 Late Spider Orchid Need?
Late Spider Orchid thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Late Spider 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 Late Spider Orchid Prefer?
Ophrys fuciflora grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Late Spider 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 Late Spider Orchid?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Late Spider Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Late Spider Orchid?
Feed Late Spider 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 Late Spider 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 Late Spider Orchid?
Late Spider Orchid can be propagated through division, seed sowing. Similar propagation techniques also apply to argolic ophrys plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Late Spider Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Late 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 Late Spider Orchid?
Late Spider 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Late Spider Orchid Need?
Late Spider Orchid grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Late Spider Orchid is native to western and central Europe and the Mediterranean region.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Late 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 Ophrys genus — compare its care with other Ophrys species on PlantoScan.
Ophrys is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Late Spider Orchid thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Ophrys Species
Other Ophrys species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ophrys fuciflora (F.W.Schmidt) Moench, family Orchidaceae (first published in Suppl. Meth. : 311 (1802)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Late 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.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7a – 9b, 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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