Budding Ghost Orchid

[flhiker]

If any of you members are in the area or visiting the area and would like to see some South Florida wild orchids in person. Just email me and I will be happy to take you. All levels of hiking to real easy to strenuous.

[IowaOrchid]

Is there any one here on this board that has one of these in their collection. I was able to purchase a seedling and would like to pick a brain on culture.

Julie

[Gin]

I am going to remember the offer ,I love seeing them in thier natural state

[flhiker]

First of all good luck with your seedling. I have a seedling as well and it looks like it is doing ok but it does not show any signs of growing. From what I have observed in nature is that they like plenty of air movement and high humidity and they are not in the direct sunlight. South Florida where they grow we usually have 50 or 60 percent humditiy most of the year. This is from wild orchids of Florida "Although confined to the Big Cypress and Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve and adjacent areas, it is widespread and many healthy plants can be found. Unfortunately only a small percentage of those plants flower well. Anyone who has seen the ghost orchid in flower will clearly recount that first encounter with this spectacular and endearing plant. Often it requires several years of watching nonflowering plants to catch one finally in flower". So even if you are able to get it to grow it may never flower. Would like to hear how it is doing.

[cb977]

Originally Posted by flhiker

If any of you members are in the area or visiting the area and would like to see some South Florida wild orchids in person. Just email me and I will be happy to take you. All levels of hiking to real easy to strenuous.

Wow, Dave! What a nice thing to post!!!
This place and the people here continue to amaze me constantly!


Thank you

[Ross]

Dave, I was there this spring (pre-Ghost Orchid spiking) and understand your description. If folks want to take Dave up on his offer, be preparred with lots of bug stuff and stamina. Very difficult place indeed (that's why they continue to survive.) I am thankful for folks that live close by and are willing to chase this ellusive orchid so's we all can see it bloom!

[cb977]

While the heat and buggies can sometimes be overwhelming...to be able to hike through some open land and find the beauties that Dave has shown us must be awesome!

Thanks Dave...I applaud you

[flhiker]

Hi Ross, I remember talking to you about your visit. I don't want you to scare people off. I know of some areas that are loaded with chids. and broms. that takes almost no effort to get to, although the mosquito's right now can be a problem ( nothing that a 100 percent deet product won't cure). If you want to visit a ghost orchid then be prepared to work for it.

[IowaOrchid]

Dave: I just got it in the mail this week and there is suppose to be two wrapped up in each other. So....if it lives through the winter I will be sure to update next spring. I don't worry about summer as our humidity level rivals Florida's most of the summer.

Julie

[Ross]

Originally Posted by flhiker

Hi Ross, I remember talking to you about your visit. I don't want you to scare people off. I know of some areas that are loaded with chids. and broms. that takes almost no effort to get to, although the mosquito's right now can be a problem ( nothing that a 100 percent deet product won't cure). If you want to visit a ghost orchid then be prepared to work for it.

Actually, that was my point! I hope I don't scare anyone off visiting the "strand". It's a great last-remaining vestige of how things used to be. And I am sure you will be willing to show folks this wonderful environment. Being a "northerner" I was trying to warn folks things are different down there!