Updated at: 18-05-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Ground orchids can thrive year-round in a warm climate like central or southern Florida if you plant them in the ground. To keep them from freezing in the fall, you can grow them in containers and bring them indoors.

Plants like the Spathoglottis orchid grow in the ground rather than in the air like most other orchids. A 2-foot (61 cm.) spike of vividly colored flowers blooms practically continuously all season long, and growing ground orchids is no more difficult than growing other bedding plants.

What is a Spathoglottis Orchid?

Is it possible to plant Spathoglottis orchids in the same pot as other potted orchids? Plants like these can be used as a bedding plant in hot climates because they thrive in soil. With their tall spikes and virtually continual blooming, they create a bold statement in the landscape.

Berry Banana' Ground Orchid (Spathoglottis spp.) | Orchidée, Fleurs

These plants can reach a height of 2 feet (61 cm) and can thrive in mild shade or full sun. Only the temperature of the surrounding air is critical to Spathoglottis, which is why they are so easy to grow. At night, the temperature should not drop below 50 F (10 C), and they prefer days in the 80s.

Information on Ground Orchid Care

The correct type of planting medium is the first step in proper ground orchid maintenance. Orchid mixes or a soilless mix and orchid mix combo for general potted plants work well for these plants because they are tolerant.

Care for Spathoglottis should take watering into consideration. Despite its requirement for moisture, this plant is unable to tolerate having its roots wet all the time. Before re-watering the plant, make sure the surface and top layer of the planting media are dry. In a well-protected region, it should be watered twice a week, although this may need to be increased in extremely hot or windy areas.

It is important to fertilize ground orchids on a regular basis because they are heavy feeders. If you use a timed-release orchid food and apply it once every four to six months, you’ll get the best results. By doing this, you may avoid the ups and downs of a regular feeding schedule while still providing your plants with enough nourishment to produce blooms on a regular basis.

Ground Orchids for South Florida

Do you have a fear of orchids? Try gardening with colorful and exotic South Florida plants like easy-to-care ground orchids.

Think You Know How to Take Care of Ground Orchids? Read This - Gardenerdy

They have a unique appearance compared to other epiphytes, notwithstanding their beauty.

Planting them in the proper location, on the other hand, increases their chances of blooming and reduces their learning curve.

Orchids are said to be simple to grow by some. Other others claim that it’s a challenge.

Terrestrial orchids, despite their esoteric names, require very little attention. Additionally, they’re less expensive to purchase, albeit your local nursery may require a special order.

Plants for the shade and the sun are both featured on this page, each with a distinct appearance and both of them are easy to maintain.

Spathoglottis plicata

Spathoglottis plicata, or “Philippine Ground Orchid,” is a shade-loving plant.

In South Florida, part shade to full shadow (with brilliant indirect light) is preferable to full sun, according to some sources.

Slowly spreading, this plant reaches about a foot in height. If you’re looking for something that looks like a wildflower with a variety of colors, go no further than this plant.

During the spring and summer months, the tiny and lovely blossoms appear. The pleated appearance of infant palm fronds may be seen in the arching leaves.

When used as a massed groundcover under trees, these ground orchids are extremely effective. A little palm or a walkway can also benefit from the use of these plants.

Epidendrum radicans

To cultivate Epidendrum radicans, which is sometimes referred to as “Reed-stem Orchid,” you just need a little bit of patience. It has vivid orange blossoms that bloom intermittently throughout the year. (A reddish-purple variation is also available.)

Partial sunlight is perfect for growing a plethora of flowers.

Bronzed leaves aren’t always unappealing, but they are a sign that the plant isn’t happy. You won’t get any blossoms if you have too much shade.

If you can find a shady place from mid-afternoon until early evening, the east side of your home is ideal.

You’ll see white roots dangling from the plant’s stalks as it grows and spreads. When employed in an informal landscape, this can give the plant a slightly untamed appearance.

Moderate growers, these ground orchids can reach a height and width of 2-1/2 to 3 feet.

It can be utilized to line a walkway, grow along a porch or deck, or even surround a palm or other specimen in the landscape as an accent (particularly excellent for color near the entry).

Plant specs & care

To thrive, both of these plants necessitate a temperature of Zone 10. They can be cultivated in containers and transported indoors during the winter in Zone 9B.

The greenskeeper: Ground Orchids

Add organic peat humus (or top soil) to dry sandy areas.

Give these orchids an area that has good drainage. Keep the area well-watered, but don’t overdo it.

Spathoglottis may necessitate the removal of browned leaves from its stems. It’s best to remove Epidendrum’s flower stalks once they’ve finished blooming.

Controlled-release fertilizer can be used in the spring and fall to improve the quality of the soil. Liquid fertilizer can be used to complement feedings.

Plant spacing

Between 12 and 15 inches apart, you can plant the smaller shade orchids in your garden. From there, it’s approximately a foot to the door. Place them in a haphazard way rather than in regular rows to create a more naturalistic environment.

About 2-1/2 to 3-feet away from the nearest plant, the larger one should be put. Walk and drive 3 feet into the home, and exit around 2 feet away.

A container is all that is needed for these plants to thrive.