Ground Orchids Culture

Site Selection and Planting

• Ground orchids perform best in partial sun locations that are lightly shaded or receive only filtered sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. Incorporate organic matter into the soil before planting to improve aeration, drainage and nutrient content; till equal parts peat moss, well-rotted compost, partially decomposed pine bark and perlite into the top 8 inches of soil. Plant your ground orchids at the same height that they were growing in their nursery containers.

Irrigation

• Newly planted ground orchids require frequent irrigation to ensure the formation of a vigorous root system. Water the orchids as often as necessary to maintain evenly moist soil. The best time to water your orchids is in the morning; this discourages foliar diseases by ensuring that the foliage is completely dry before nightfall. Once the orchids are established and the season's new foliage has matured, allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to become dry to the touch between waterings.

Fertilizer

• Ground orchids should be fertilized frequently while the plants are actively growing. The University of Florida Extension recommends fertilizing ground orchids with a slow-release orchid fertilizer every three months, along with an application of fish emulsion or compost tea every two weeks. Over-fertilization can be detrimental to the health of your ground orchids; always mix and apply fertilizer products according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure success.

Weeding and Pruning

• Ground orchids need a weed-free growing area to ensure that they are the sole recipients of the moisture and nutrients that you provide. Weed the area throughout the growing season as needed to remove any unwanted vegetation that emerges. A 3-to- 4-inch layer of peat moss, redwood bark or pine straw can be used to help suppress weed growth; mulching also offers the added benefit of helping the soil to retain moisture. Prune the orchids by snipping off the spent blossoms with pruning shears. This allows the ground orchids to focus their energy on producing healthy roots.