How to Care for a Rattlesnake Plantain Orchid

Choose an area of your yard that has partial shade. You can plant these orchids under a thick canopy of trees or in an area that is partly shaded by an outdoor structure.

Conduct a soil pH test on the designated planting area. Rattlesnake plantain orchids need slightly acidic soil within the pH range of 5.6 to 6.0. You can buy a soil pH test from your county extension office. Dig a 6-inch hole to collect soil samples to mail to the laboratory's address provided on the kit. Add lime to acidic soil and sulfur to alkaline soil.

Dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant's root ball. Place the plant in the hole and pack the soil around the base. You can space these plants every 9 to 12 inches.

Water the plant thoroughly. Rattlesnake plantain orchids need to grow in moist soil. To tell if your soil is moist enough, press your fingers into the top 2 inches of top soil. If it is dry, water the plant, but allow the top soil to dry out in between watering or you will encourage a fungal infection.

Spread a 6-inch layer of mulch like dead leaves around the orchid. Mulch heavily in the winter to protect the orchid.