Bug Orchid (Anacamptis coriophora)

Photo: Vicente LopesCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Bug Orchid Plant Care

Anacamptis coriophora (L.) R.M.Bateman, Pridgeon & M.W.Chase

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This orchid species is easily recognized by its vibrant pink flowers with three-lobed lip. Originating from Europe and Asia, Anacamptis coriophora is highly sought after by plant collectors for its delicate beauty and charming fragrance. Its unique appearance and rarity make it a prized addition to any botanical collection.

🪴Houseplants🌸Orchids
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Bug Orchid?

Water Bug Orchid every 7–10 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 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Bug Orchid Native To?

Native range50 countries

What Is the Bug Orchid?

Bug Orchid (Anacamptis coriophora) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Anacamptis genus. Bug Orchid is native to Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Near East to Iran.

Bug Orchid displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Bug Orchid produces colorful spikes of small orchid flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Bug Orchid?

Anacamptis coriophora requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Bug Orchid Need?

Bug Orchid thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Bug 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 Bug Orchid Prefer?

Anacamptis coriophora grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Bug 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 Bug Orchid?

Well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Bug Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Bug Orchid?

Feed Bug Orchid every 6 months 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 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

How Do You Repot a Bug 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 Bug Orchid?

Bug Orchid can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to orchis israelitica plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Bug Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Bug 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 Bug Orchid?

Bug 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 Bug Orchid Need?

Bug Orchid grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Bug Orchid is native to Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Near East to Iran.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 7a – 9b

Keep exploring plants

Bug 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 Anacamptis genus — compare its care with other Anacamptis species on PlantoScan.

Anacamptis is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.

Bug Orchid thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Anacamptis Species

Other Anacamptis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Anacamptis coriophora (L.) R.M.Bateman, Pridgeon & M.W.Chase, family Orchidaceae (first published in Lindleyana 12: 120 (1997)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bug 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: Vicente Lopes, CC BY 4.0, 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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