Stumped !!!!

[linda]

Hi everyone. I'm not really a newby but I need some help and I don't know were to post it at so I thought that I would start here.
I just receved an orchid it's called a
hardy nodding ladies truss orchid - spiranthes
I was wondering if someone could give me some info on
How to take care of it , Do I need to put something in the pot for it to grow on, what kind of soil, light, and basicly
What Do I do with It?????? .
Any please.
I live in Florida if thats any help.
Thank You
Linda

[Ross]

Spiranthes (Lady Tresses) are a native orchid that typically lives in wet soil. There are lots of them native to the US. They typicaly like soils a bit on the heavy side (loamy, but holding wetness) full sun (not sure about Florida, but in the Lakes States they want full sun,) they compete well with other vegetation like grasses, they are not particularly showy plants, until they bloom. I would get some Miracle Grow potting soil (which is Canadian Peat based mix) and pot it up like a house plant. If growing outside, I would start with a dappled shade condition until you are sure it won't sunburn. You Floridians tend to get stronger light than I am used to, so the plant may sunburn if just stuck out there. I'd suggest under a tree like a pine where the branches are up high. You want bright light, but no sizzle. If you have a garden pond, this is a great plant for the border of the pond.

[Royal]

Good tips Ross. They do fine in a shadier garden, but will need at least 4 hours of sun to boom well. For me, they've done better in the ground than in a pot. They like to multiply via offshoots so that's another reason I like them in the ground. Great for the bog garden or at the wood's edge. Mulch the dormant eye with loose leaf litter or pine straw once temps get nice and cold, and keep it mulched until warmer weather arrives.

[linda]

Thanks, Do I need to put a trillas around it or something for it to grow up on? And also I should hold of on planting it with it being cold out right?