Hailing from the high plains of Chile, the Poor Man’s Orchid (also known as the Butterfly Flower) is a surprisingly tough little plant, but it’s definitely not a fan of harsh winters. Don’t let that stop you from adding this beauty to your garden, though! It’s a total showstopper that’s well worth the effort.
How much frost can a Poor Man’s Orchid handle?
Even though it isn’t fully winter-hardy, the Poor Man’s Orchid can actually tolerate a light frost down to about 20°F (-7°C). However, it can only handle those chilly temps for a short burst. If it stays that cold for too long, your plant is going to suffer some serious damage.
If you’re past the worst of the winter freezes, you can usually move young plants outside as early as March—just in time for their blooming season to kick off. If you live in a particularly cold climate, it’s smarter to wait a few extra days. Pro tip: Plant them in containers or window boxes! That way, if a surprise frost hits, you can easily whisk them back inside where it’s cozy.
Can you overwinter a Poor Man’s Orchid?
Technically, you could keep your plant in a frost-free spot over the winter, but honestly? It’s not really worth the space. While these plants put on a spectacular show during their first summer, they rarely bloom again the following year. In the gardening world, we treat them as annuals because they just don’t have that second-act magic.
Can I grow new plants from seed?
Absolutely! Growing Poor Man’s Orchids from seed is actually pretty straightforward. Since they start blooming so early in the spring, you’ll want to get a head start by sowing your seeds in the fall of the previous year. Just barely cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil or seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the tray in a bright, warm spot. They love temperatures between 72°F and 77°F (22°C–25°C) to get going.
Quick Summary:
- Not winter-hardy.
- Can handle brief frost down to about 20°F (-7°C).
- Overwintering isn’t recommended since they won’t bloom a second year.
- Easy to grow from seed.
- Sow in the fall for early spring flowers.
- Germination temp: 72°F to 77°F.
- Keep young seedlings indoors during their first winter.
Quick Tip: To make sure your garden is bursting with color as early as possible, plan ahead and start your seeds in the fall!
