Did you know orchids can be grown in the ground in our area?

Terrestrial genus, a.k.a. garden orchids

Yes, Spathoglottis is a genus of about 40 species of orchids that are considered terrestrial; in other words, it developed in the soil instead of in the air on tree branches.

These ground orchids, sometimes called garden orchids, naturally occur throughout the Pacific, Indonesia, India and northern Australia but now have been introduced into tropical gardens in the Florida and Texas areas that fall in the hardiness zones of 9a and above.

• Do well in flower beds, containers

In warm climates ground orchids can do well in flower beds almost year-round. In other areas, they can be grown in containers and protected when weather gets cold.

Ground orchids are attractive as bedding plants with blooms throughout the growing season but also make an outstanding container plant, especially combined with other plants with the same environmental needs.

• Soil and amendments

Ground orchids need a good peat-based, well-drained organic soil mix. But they are fairly adaptable.

In pots, a combination of orchid mix with general potting mix provide a good environment. In the ground, mix some peat in with the soil to create a mixture that will drain well if there is prolonged wet weather. Spathoglottis do best when the moisture level is kept constant.

• Care in watering

Make sure to not overwater. If the roots are constantly wet, root rot will develop.

During the growing season, they will need to be watered more frequently. Allow the surface and top layer of planting mixture to dry out before you water it again.

They will probably need watering twice a week, but in hot weather, they may need water more often.

• Fertilizer

Ground orchids are relatively heavy feeders and need regular fertilization. A constant liquid fertilization of nitrogen works well, but a slow-release fertilizer is probably more reliable for consistent supply of nitrogen to produce abundant blooms.

• Light, pests, temperatures

The Spathoglottis requires some direct sun to bloom and, generally, will tolerate light shade to full sun.

Root rot can be a problem if plants are overwatered or in poorly drained soil. Ground orchids are susceptible to most common pests, but no particular pest seems to be a serious problem. Watch for spider mites when air is not circulated sufficiently.

Spathoglottis prefers temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees. If planted in pots, they will have to be moved indoors or to a greenhouse when temperatures get colder. If planted in the ground, a good mulching can protect the roots from freezing.

Plants may drop leaves and go dormant with extended temperatures below 40 degrees. However, a specific species called Spathoglottis plicata has been growing and blooming in the Master Gardener Victoria Educational Gardens for several years.

S. plicata

S. plicata is an evergreen, terrestrial orchid that grows locally.

• Description

It exists in tall clumps up to 40 inches tall. Up to forty purple flowers that are up to 2 inches in diameter bloom on hairy stems.

The leaves appear folded or pleated which gives the species its name, plicata. Flowers occur most all year in tropical areas, but in areas with more distinct seasons, blooming occurs from early spring to late fall.

• Growing conditions

Like other ground orchids, S. plicata needs to be grown in well-drained, well-aerated soil with the upper part of the pseudobulb above the ground level.

It requires frequent and regular fertilization. It prefers tropical to subtropical climates but can survive in warm protected places in more temperate climates, like ours, if protected.

Purple ground orchids grow in light shade to full sun.

But in the hot summer sun in our area, morning sun with afternoon shade is preferable. Though they prefer temperatures between 40 and 80 degrees they are able to survive if the ground does not stay below 40 for extended periods of time.

During cold winters, it loses its leaves but comes back with new growth and early spring purple flowers.

• Minimal care; good intro to growing orchids

These ground orchids make a great addition to any tropical, domestic garden because they require only minimal care and provide an easy introduction to the world of orchid growing for beginners.

Do consider growing S. plicata if you are considering something new, colorful and interesting for your garden or even in pots on the patio.

I have not found any ground orchids in retail in the Crossroads area, but they can be ordered online from orchid dealers or even from Amazon or eBay. I have already ordered mine.