Polyrhizia lindenii (ghost orchid)

[gixrj18]

Just picked up a ghost orchid, today. The grower said they aren't easy to grow......time to find out! Does anyone have any suggestions? I am a Fla. native, like the orchid, so I think the habitat will be okay. Any help is greatly appreciated!

[tbaenziger]

Dear GRX...
I heard recently that the orchid hates air circulation: it prefers still and humid sauna conditions, growing as it does in bogs, close to the water and protected from breezes. Is that what they told you?

[gmdiaz]

Well, don't mount it on outdoor shrubbery. . .I can tell ya that much! LOL

*flhiker lost his to a family of ducks. It was most distressing, I am sure.

I have heard that these are not hard to grow and keep alive but hard to bloom. I think you're going to need high humidity and bright dappled light. . .pretty warm. . . try to mimic their growing conditions in FL.

Ted, I've heard that too. . .that they don't like a lot of air circulation. That they grow in trees above mostly stagnant water.

Jasen, I would love to see you bloom this one! I am working my way towards trying one too but I am still too much of a newbie. . .bock bock bock.

[cb977]

Hi Jasen

Orchidwiz has this listed as Dendrophylax lindenii

Says 2000-3000 fc, moderately bright, filtered or diffues light with protection from midday sun. Strong air movement at all times.

Summer days 89-91 and nights 69-71

70-75% humidity year round. Reduce water in late autumn but never allow it to totally dry out as it has no water-storage capabilities.

Can't wait to see it bloom for you!

[gixrj18]

Blooms will probably be a few years out, for it is only about the size of a dime. Thank you for the advice, everyone. Hey Susanne, have you ever checked out "Fla. Native Orchids", in St. Pete? Biggest variety I've seen, locally. Loooooot's of species! I got a three foot V. sanderiana, in bloom....and an Enc. tampensis to keep the ghost orchid company.

[gmdiaz]

I recently added the Enc. tampensis to my collection but it's itty bitty. . .I suspect it will be magnificent in about six years. lol

[Ghostorchid77]

Hello

I am French and I would like to share with you the photography of my Ghost Orchid (Polyrrhiza lindenii) in flower in this September 24, 2007.

I am completely fascinated by this plant. I cultivate many other orchids but it is the only one which gets as much pleasure to me

than prose do not allow me to express rather clearly than the feelings very strong than I feel with the sight of this flower.

[Ghostorchid77]

Conditions of culture

Installed on a cork bark, in terrarium of 100*40*30 (120L). Lighting by 3 neons (2 cold and 1 heat). The plant is placed at ten cm. The terrarium is heated using a heating cord hidden in sand. A fogger ensures the moisture which turns between 85 and 95% to see 100%. A standard ventilator PC turns 24/24 slightly. The whole makes it possible to have temperatures between 20°C the night and 30°C the day, of the fluctuations appear according to the temperature of the part (the room currently) and of the seasons.
And what with really very changed it is the installation of a mist of Vivaria mark which turns in 2 cycles of 2 pulverizations the morning and the evening (45 dryness/phases) in addition to one contribution of water with manure the morning before leaving to the job, either approximately 2 to 2.5 mm of water per day, or approximately 60/65 mm of water. What east can compared to precipitations of the place of origin which is normally in September for example of 262 Misters But that is enough in this space closed for a good growth racinaire. I give a little less water in winter.

Then bah it is all, ah if I were going to obviously forget… much love.

[cb977]

Hi ghostorchid77

Thanks for posting your information on this plant...and the pictures are way cool!

[littlefrog]

I have mostly killed several, and picked up some new ones at Oak Hill last month. These are mounted on grape vine, and i have them hanging about 3 inches above a pond in the greenhouse. They look great, actually. But it hasn't been very long.