How to Grow Ground Orchids

Lady slippers is one of many ground orchids.

Orchids are either epiphytes or terrestrial. Epiphytes attach themselves to a rock or a tree trunk for their exposed aerial roots to draw moisture and nutrients from the air. Terrestrial species -- also known as hardy -- are ground orchids that develop with roots established in soil. Ground orchids are classified as upland, transition and wetland species, depending on their environmental requirements. Learn the specific growing needs of the species and cultivar you select and follow some general care guidelines to keep the plant thriving.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Compost
• Plastic piece
• Knife
• Shears
• Mulch

Instructions

1. Dig a 2-foot-deep hole in the ground to test it for adequate drainage. Fill the hole with water. Fill it up again after the water drains. The site offers good drainage for ground orchids if the second batch of water disappears within one hour. Do not plant ground orchids in poorly drained soil.

2. Break the ground 6 to 8 inches deep. Spread a 2-inch layer of compost on the surface and incorporate it into the topsoil. Do not feed ground orchids again through the growing season. Annually, as they start to develop after dormancy, mulch them with 1 to 2 inches of compost.

3. Irrigate upland ground orchids, such as lady slippers, and transition orchids, which include the marsh orchid, to the root zone when the soil becomes mostly dry. Line the bottom of planting holes for wetland orchids, as the rose pogonia, with a piece of plastic. Make three to five holes in the plastic with a knife for the water to drain slowly. Irrigate wetland orchids as often as it takes to maintain the soil consistently moist.

4. Cut the ground orchid blooms as they fade to prevent the plant from producing seeds. This practice directs the plant's energy towards maintaining a strong root system.

5. Weed around ground orchids by hand to protect their shallow roots. Hold the orchid with one hand as you pull the weeds with the other to avoid uprooting the flower with the unwanted plant.

6. Build a 2-inch-deep mulch ring around the base of the orchids after the first hard frost. Use straw or pine needles placed ½ inch away from the stems and extended over the root area to provide winter protection. Remove the mulch material after spring's last hard frost.

References

• Miami-Dade County University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service; Terrestrial Orchids for South Florida; John McLaughlin, et al.; March 2002
• University of Vermont Extension; Hardy Orchids; Dr. Leonard Perry
• "Sunset Western Garden Book"; Kathleen Norris Brenzel; 2001