How to Grow Peacock Orchids

Their name is misleading -- peacock orchids are not orchids at all, they actually are part of the iris family. Known scientifically as Gladiolus callianthus or Gladiolus murielae, peacock orchids are white flowers with maroon coloring in the middle. Their fragrance adds to their appeal. They are tropical perennials that enjoy summer warmth outdoors before spending winters inside.

Things You'll Need

• Mulch

Instructions

1. Dig holes 3 inches deep and eight inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Plant the peacock orchid's bulb-like corms in the holes about one to two weeks before your region's last expected frost date. Cover them with soil.

2. Water the planting area regularly without letting the soil dry out completely. Avoid water-logging the soil, advises Susan Mahr of the Wisconsin Master Gardener Program. Reduce watering after the plants flower.

3. Apply 2 inches of mulch to keep the soil moist. Use straw, pine needles or grass to keep your peacock orchid healthy and keep weeds at bay.

4. Remove weeds as soon as they appear.

Tips & Warnings

• To ensure large, healthy blooms, plant corms that are more than an inch in diameter and shaped like a chocolate kiss, recommends the staff at the University of Minnesota Extension Service.

• Choose a planting site where peacock orchids will get plenty of afternoon sun -- although they can adapt to dappled shade part of the time.

References

• Iowa State University Extension: Peacock Orchid Provides Late Season Color
• Clemson University Cooperative Extension: Plants for Shade
• North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension: Acidanthera Bicolor, Gladiolus Callianthus
• The Wisconsin Master Gardener Program: Peacock Orchid
• University of Minnesota Extension: Growing Gladiolus