Cobra Greenhood

[OrchidLover1982]

I am assuming these take cooler temps than I can provide here in Florida, right?

this species should do well in florida if provided with the right conditions. I live towards the northern end of the species distribution and the climate is about the same as florida (same latitude) being subtropical. You would probably want to obtain plants (tubers) that came from the northern part of its range so they are already adapted to your type of climate. I have yet to see this species in the wild but i'm hoping to find it this year. Its one i will be looking for this year no doubt. I have seen many other pterostylis but not this one. Another good one that is quite easy to grow in a pot is Pterostylis baptistii. It grows around here as well. It has quite a large flower, arguably the largest of the genus. Very interesting plants.

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by OrchidLover1982

Another good one that is quite easy to grow in a pot is Pterostylis baptistii. It grows around here as well. It has quite a large flower, arguably the largest of the genus. Very interesting plants.

Given the paucity of greenhoods outside of Australia/NZ, I agree that baptistii (or something similar like procera) is the one to hunt down. I have noticed a few American's on various forums have either grown or know someone who grows it so there's a chance of sourcing it in the US. In my experience they also do better with more protection and humidity than other greenhoods so it's probably a better species to grow alongside epiphytes.

[OrchidLover1982]

Pterostylis curta is another nice one that is relatively easy to grow and very adaptible. It would probably do well just about anywhere judging by its wide distribution. I have grown it before. Quite a large flower as well. I have seen it often growing along the edges of rainforest in various types of soil and also on rocks under a layer of thick moss (very little soil) near a creek. Just shows how adaptible they are if given the right conditions. The Pterostylis baptistii i found was growing in near pure sand close to the beach in thick scrub but i have also seen them growing around the edges of rainforest. I will be looking to find some different species this year.

[Andrew]

Andy's Orchids in California apparently sells Ptst curta. It's not listed on their website so presumably you'd need to contact them to see if it's available.

[Grandma M]

It is so unusual and interesting. I have never seen one before. Does anyone in the US grow any?
Marilyn

[Bolero]

They would be grown by people in the USA. Maybe not as easy as other plants to get but I'm sure you can.

[sucuz]

Those are wonderful. Indeed, they do resemble Jack-in-the-pulpit. Agree that this should be a consideration for the calendar.