Ground Orchid

Scientific Name : Spathoglottis Plicata Family : Orchidaceae Common names : Ground Orchid Flowering Period : Throughout the year Colour : White, Violet/Lavender, Light pink, Orange-Yellow

Spathoglottis plicata or Ground orchid, native of Southeastern Asia to the Philippines, is the common species of Orchid which blooms round the year. This easily grown terrestrial herb has pretty, arching broad leaves with prominent parallel veins and a few or large cluster of small flowers at the end of a long stalk as tall as 1 metre arising from a basal leaf axil. The flowers are seen from the morecommon purple to white, yellow, peach, pink and magenta shades. and  The leaves emerge from round pseudo bulbs that become increasingly multiple and larger as the orchid matures. Ground orchids can be grown as potted plants and also do well in beds and borders.

Propagation and Care
It is an easy to grow, extremely adaptable orchid which blooms round the year. Propagation of Spathoglottis plicata is by division. Many plants can be separated from the large clump and can be planted in individual pots or in ground 3 to 6 inches apart. Before planting, enrich the soil with a mixture of garden soil, dried cow dung and leaf mould. Addition of broken bricks and charcoal makes the growing medium loose for roots to spread easily.

Heavy watering is essential during the growing season but allow the plant to get almost dry before watering again. Some good fertilizer can be used to enhance its growth. The plant requires medium shade to full sun and should be watered regularly. In warm places, partial shade is ideal.

Cut off the flower stems after it finishes blooming. Remove dead or rotted foliage regularly.

Questions & Answers

1.  Posted on : 24.1.2011  By  :  shruthi , bangalore Post Answer   few of my phaelanopsis orchids started to loose the topmost leaf(the blooms were present) and eventually all the leaves fell off.The roots are fine,not dry totally but will the plant grow back? what could be the problem and what do i do?   Ans:  water got into the center of the plant and rotted must water from the bottom and keep tops dry and no it wont grow back   Posted by kevin, las vegas

2.  Posted on : 5.9.2010  By  :  Maxine , Spring Hill. Fl, Spring Hill. Fl Post Answer   I separated my ground orchid, Spathoglottis plicata this spring as it was over crowed and it has not shown any sige of blooming, What so I need to do to encourage blooming?

3.  Posted on : 24.3.2010  By  :  Mukesh Naik , Navsari Post Answer   What to do to bring my mocara and phelonopsis orchid to flower,I am residing at tropical place.   Ans:  Mokkara will flower if u give adquate sun light Too much shade will not give flower at the same time too high direct sun scorch the leaf, so move to more sunny area. Also give regulare fertilzier weekly once if possible more Use 20 20 20 at 2 grams per littre. For phalenopsis generally shade loving again the rule is too much shade will not induce flower bud but this definetly need more shade than mokkara.   Posted by Rynco Orchids, trivandrum Ans:  MOKARA 1. 50% shade will do if direct sunlight is available. 2. Use fertilisers with more P and K and less of N. 2 gms / litre every alternate day. PHALAENOPSIS 1. Phalaenopsis need lower night temperature to initiate buds. 2. If potted in spagnum moss care to be taken in watering and use of fertiliser.   Posted by Toyo Floriculture, Kerala

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