Spiranthes odorata

Also known as: Fragrant Ladie's Tresses or Triorchis triloba Spiranthes cernua ssp. odorata Triorchis odoratus Spiranthes odorata h.v. odorata Spiranthes cernua var. odorata Ibidium odoratum in the subfamily: Spiranthoideae

Native to: Alabama - United States Florida - United States Illinois - United States Louisiana - United States Minnesota - United States Mississippi - United States Missouri - United States New York - United States Texas - United States Virginia - United States

General Information

Fragrant Ladie's Tresses is a cold growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Spiranthoideae native to United States.

Plant Description

Grows to 100cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 2.5-30cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 100cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear during Spring

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Blooming Season

• Spring

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Treefern
• 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

Rainfall ranges from 56mm to 183mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in November. Humidity ranges from 70% to 83%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 6C to 31C, highest in July (24C to 31C) and lowest in January (6C to 14C).

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous 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.