Orchid Identification?

[kasper6767]

Ok I found these growing in the planter under an oak tree at my old house before moving. I knew at first glance they were orchids but the problem is I have no idea what kind or how they even got there. So maybe someone could help me figure out what they are. Thanks alot!

[lambelkip]

looks like Oeceoclades maculata

[cneos]

unifoliate cattleya?
as to how they got there? Squirrels, mice and birds may be the 'mystery planters'

[lambelkip]

they're definately Oeceoclades maculata, which is a highly invasive species. the plants will often self-pollinate, the seed is easily spread by wind, and the seed can easily start with a variety of common fungal hosts.

[kasper6767]

Thanks for both of your replies after googling Oeceoclades maculata, I am pretty sure these are them. Now my question is do they grow in soil or are they ok the way I potted them? Because in the planter they were growing in like the leaf mulch that I would pile up in there.

[cneos]

Kip - this is something new for me; I don't recall ever seeing anything quite like it in NH. Thanks for the info.
Kasper, you might get a positive ID by taking it to Marie Selby; even better if it's in flower.

[kasper6767]

So ok if it is invasive and thats what I have read online so far. Question is what should I do with it? Kill it? Confine it?

[lambelkip]

Originally Posted by kasper6767

Thanks for both of your replies after googling Oeceoclades maculata, I am pretty sure these are them. Now my question is do they grow in soil or are they ok the way I potted them? Because in the planter they were growing in like the leaf mulch that I would pile up in there.

your mix might not hold enough moisture for them. I keep mine potted in a terrestrial orchid mix, which has much finer chunks than yours. many growers keep them in potting soil.

Originally Posted by cneos

Kip - this is something new for me; I don't recall ever seeing anything quite like it in NH. Thanks for the info.
Kasper, you might get a positive ID by taking it to Marie Selby; even better if it's in flower.

You'll probably never see one in NH - they're more of a tropical species. Your winters would kill them in a hurry. The flowers are not particularly spectacular, and they're considered an invasive weed pretty much everywhere they grow. they're originally from Africa, but were introduced to Florida, and have spread through most of the Carribean and South America. They're very common in Florida.

Originally Posted by kasper6767

So ok if it is invasive and thats what I have read online so far. Question is what should I do with it? Kill it? Confine it?

no need to kill it, but if you see any seedpods forming on it, cut them off. as long as it's not producing seed, it won't spread outside your pots.

[kasper6767]

Well thanks kip for the help and I will take your advice and just cut off the seed pods when I see them and repot in more suitable potting material.