You're wading through the knee-deep muck of Bayou Nwa. A gator just hissed at your horse, and honestly, you're about one more "Request" away from throwing Algernon Wasp into the swamp yourself. We've all been there. Finding the rdr2 spider orchid location isn't just about knowing where to look on a map; it's about understanding why the game suddenly decides those flowers don't exist the moment you actually need them.
The Spider Orchid is one of the "Exotic" plants required for the Duchesses and Other Animals quest line. Specifically, it pops up in Request 4. If you're hunting these for the Herbalist 9 challenge or just to get that fancy hat and revolver, the swamp is about to become your second home.
Where to Find the rdr2 spider orchid location
Don't go looking in the Grizzlies. You won't find them in New Austin either. These things love the humid, miserable dampness of Bayou Nwa in Lemoyne.
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Specifically, they are concentrated in the western section of the bayou, tucked between the Kamassa River and the "B" and "A" in the "Bayou Nwa" text on your map. Unlike many other plants that grow out of the dirt, the Spider Orchid is an epiphyte. That’s just a fancy way of saying it grows on tree trunks.
Specific Spots to Check
Look for the trees. Not the small ones—the thick, moss-covered ones.
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- North of Bayall Edge: There is a shack called Bayall Edge in the swamp. Just north of it, along the water's edge, you’ll usually find one or two.
- The Kamassa River Bend: Follow the riverbank on the eastern side (the swamp side). There are several spawns nestled in the trees here.
- The "W" in Nwa: If you look at your map, the area directly around and slightly south of the letter "W" in "Nwa" is a hotspot.
You'll need five for the quest. There are ten total spawn points in the game, so you have some wiggle room, but don't expect them to be grouped together like a bouquet. They're spread out.
The "One Short" Glitch: Why They Stop Spawning
This is what trips up most players. You're riding around, you've found four, and suddenly the fifth one is nowhere to be found. You check the guides. You go to the exact tree. Nothing.
Basically, Rockstar built a "soft lock" into the exotics quest.
If you haven't actually reached Request 4 in Algernon Wasp’s mission, the game will let you pick up to four Spider Orchids. Once you hit four, the rest will literally despawn from the world. They won't come back until you have the physical "Shopping List" in your inventory for that specific stage of the quest.
It's frustrating. I know. You're trying to be proactive and get the grinding done early, but the game is designed to stop you from finishing the list before you've officially started it. If you're doing Herbalist 9, this is even more annoying because you only need one, but if you've already picked them for Algernon, you might find yourself wandering a barren swamp.
Identifying the Spider Orchid
They look like their name. The petals are long, thin, and spindly, yellowish-white with brownish or reddish spots. From a distance, they really do look like a big leggy spider sitting on the side of a tree.
Eagle Eye is your best friend here. When you trigger it (L3 + R3 or Click Sticks), look for the blue "scent" particles rising from the tree trunks. If you see particles rising from the ground, it’s probably a Vanilla Flower or a Lady of the Night orchid. Spider Orchids are almost always at eye level or slightly higher on the bark.
Pro-Tips for the Bayou
- Kill the Gators: Seriously. Don't try to be a pacifist. If you're staring through binoculars or focusing on a tree trunk, a bull gator will end your run in three seconds. Clear the immediate area before you start picking.
- Night Hunting: It’s actually easier to see the Eagle Eye glow at night. Plus, the Bayou has a certain... creepy vibe at 2 AM that fits the orchid hunt.
- The Save/Reload Trick: If you know you're on the right quest step and the plant isn't there, ride a good distance away, save your game, and reload. This forces the world to refresh and can often fix "stubborn" spawns.
Actionable Next Steps
To actually get this done without losing your mind, follow this order:
- Check your Satchel: See how many you already have. If you have four and aren't on Request 4, stop looking. You're wasting time.
- Progress the Mission: Go back to Saint Denis and finish the current stage of "Duchesses and Other Animals." You need to finish the plumes and the other orchids (like the 15 Lady of the Night) before you even get to the Spider Orchid stage.
- Mark Your Map: When you find a spawn, leave a marker. Orchids eventually respawn after about 24 to 48 in-game hours. If you accidentally discard one or need more for a different challenge later, you'll want to remember that specific tree.
- Multi-task: While you're in the western Bayou for the orchids, keep an eye out for Spoonbills. You need 30 of their plumes for the same request, and they hang out in the exact same marshes. Shooting birds while you look at trees makes the grind feel twice as fast.
The swamp is a pain, but the rewards—the Exotic Hat and Algernon's Revolver—are some of the most unique items in the game. Just keep your boots dry and your shotgun loaded.