Source: Wikimedia Commons
Iwa-chidori
IntermediateHemipilia keiskei
A tiny terrestrial orchid endemic to Japan, growing in rock crevices in gorges from central Honshu westwards and on Shikoku. About 10 cm tall, it opens pink-purple flowers about 1 cm across in April and May and is nicknamed the fairy of the gorges.
About
Iwa-chidori (Hemipilia keiskei) is a small perennial orchid endemic to Japan, also called yachiyo. Since Maximowicz described it in 1879 it has changed genus several times, long being known as Amitostigma keiskei and later Ponerorchis keiskei, before being placed in Hemipilia; old names persist on sale labels. It grows in rock crevices in gorges in Honshu (from the Chubu region westwards) and Shikoku. About 10 cm tall, it opens pink-purple flowers about 1 cm across from late April to mid-May and is nicknamed the fairy of the gorges. It multiplies by underground tubers. Wild populations have declined, and in Gifu Prefecture it is described as effectively extinct wherever people can reach it. At the same time, many propagated garden cultivars circulate, with numerous named selections differing in flower colour and pattern. Because flower colour and markings differ by cultivar, choose plants labelled with the cultivar you want. In Japan wildflower nurseries sell the tubers.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Iwa-chidori
The Iwa-chidori grows to About 10 cm tall; flowers about 1 cm across.
Basic Info
Origin
Endemic to Japan (gorges in Honshu west of Chubu and Shikoku)
Lifespan
Perennial; multiplies by tubers
Size
About 10 cm tall; flowers about 1 cm across
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Sparing, dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Give bright partial shade during growth and avoid strong sun.
Watering
Keep the mix moist from sprouting until the top dies down, and water little while dormant.
Temperature & Overwintering
A cool grower from shady gorges; keep it cool and airy in summer and keep the tubers from freezing in winter.
Soil & Repotting
It grows in rock crevices; use a small pot with a gritty, free-draining mix and repot the dormant tubers.
Dormancy Care
Once the top dies down it rests as tubers; keep them fairly dry and frost-free.
Pests & Cautions
A Japanese native; choose nursery-propagated plants rather than wild-collected ones. Some prefectures restrict collecting wild plants by ordinance.
Iwa-chidori FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Iwa-chidori?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QHow large does Iwa-chidori get?
The mature size of Iwa-chidori is About 10 cm tall; flowers about 1 cm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Iwa-chidori?
Iwa-chidori: watering & fertilizer — Sparing, dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Iwa-chidori?
The price of Iwa-chidori varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Hemipilia keiskei (Finet) Y.Tang, H.Peng & T.Yukawa
Synonyms: Amitostigma keiskei (Finet) Schltr., Gymnadenia gracilis var. keiskei Finet, Gymnadenia keiskei Maxim., Orchis keiskei (Finet) Soó, Ponerorchis keiskei (Finet) X.H.Jin, Schuit. & W.T.Jin
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
The whole orchid family is listed in CITES Appendix II (checked on Species+). International trade requires permits such as export permits, but no registration is needed to buy, sell or transfer plants within Japan. It is native to Japan and is not designated as a Nationally Rare Species under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species (checked against the Ministry of the Environment list). Some prefectures restrict collecting wild plants by ordinance, so choose nursery-propagated plants rather than wild-collected ones.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment, Japan: list of Nationally Rare Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
Related Articles
Coelogyne Genus Seasonal Care Guide | Withholding Water in the Dry Season and Tips for Regulating the Bloom Cycle
A seasonal guide to Coelogyne, a type of epiphytic orchid, from watering during the growing season to dry-season drought management and tips for regulating the bloom cycle.
Post-Bloom Care: The Annual Cycle from New Growth to Flower Formation
Learn the annual care cycle for orchids from the end of flowering to the next bloom. This guide covers post-flower care including flower stem cutting methods, signs to observe during new shoot development, summer growth period considerations, requirements for flower bud formation, and finishing care from bud emergence through blooming.
A Complete Guide to Enjoying Orchid Exhibitions and Sales Events | Variety Selection and Post-Purchase Care
A guide to enjoying orchid exhibitions and sales events. Covering practical tips on variety selection, how to identify rare species, and post-purchase environmental acclimatization.
Complete Window-Sill Cultivation Guide for Mini Orchids | Techniques for Blooming Fragrant Orchids in Small Spaces and Low-Light Environments
A practical guide to growing miniature orchids on windowsills. Optimize light levels, humidity, and fertilizer management to achieve repeated blooms of fragrant orchids in confined indoor spaces.
Can't find the plant you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and growers with matching plants will contact you with introductions.