Platanthera psycodes

Also known as: Small Purple Fringed Orchid or Habenaria psycodes f. albiflora Orchis incisa Orchis fissa Blephariglottis psycodes f. albispicata Platanthera psycodes f. ecalcarata Habenaria psycodes var. ecalcarata Habenaria psycodes var. varians Habenaria racemosa Habenaria fissa Platanthera psycodes f. albiflora Platanthera fissa Platanthera psycodes f. varians Platanthera psycodes f. rosea Blephariglottis fissa Habenaria psycodes f. varians Habenaria psycodes f. ecalcarata Blephariglottis psycodes f. albiflora Blephariglottis psycodes f. varians Blephariglottis psycodes f. rosea Blephariglottis psycodes f. ecalcarata The Butterfly Platanthera in the subfamily: Orchidoideae

Native to: Illinois - United States Minnesota - United States New Jersey - United States North Dakota - United States Pennsylvania - United States Virginia - United States West Virginia - United States

General Information

Small Purple Fringed Orchid is a large cold growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Orchidoideae native to United States.

Plant Description

Grows to 90cm. Each new growth has numerous erect elliptic, lance shaped leaves that grow to 5-20cm long

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Substrate(s)

• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Sand

Care Notes

These orchids grow on the forest floor so are used to rich soil containing plenty of organic matter that is always moist (but not always wet), and prefer constant conditions in terms of humidity, temperature and water supply. They may not be as forgiving as epiphytes in regards to sudden changes in growing conditions so it is wise to ease them into new conditions over a the space of a few days, and repot as infrequently as possible.

Keep an eye on the plants condition regularly as they can decline suddenly if the conditions are not just right. It is more important to keep water supply constant rather than frequent - overwatering often causes rot which can quickly set in, especially in warmer conditions.

These can be grown in shady, moist areas in the garden, supplied they have protection from abrupt changes caused by the elements, e.g. dry winds, frost etc. Being grown around companion plants such as ferns and bromeliads will help build and retain the humidity they require throughout the year.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 69mm to 119mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in October. Humidity ranges from 57% to 76%, highest in August and lowest in May. Temperature ranges from -3C to 31C, highest in July (18C to 31C) and lowest in January (-3C to 9C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Fertiliser

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength during Summer. Reduce fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.

This plant does well mounted.