Plant primer: Ground orchid

Light: High light, light shade

Height: 12 to 18 inches

Spread: 6 to 12 inches

Zone: 11

Origin: Hawaii, Philippines, Samoa, Tonga, and subtropical Asia

The ground orchid (Spathoglottis plicata) is a terrestrial orchid, which is actually not how all orchids grow.

Some orchids are epiphytic, which means they latch onto trees and do not need to be in soil to gather nutrients and water.

The ground orchid has dark-green, bladelike leaves with thick parallel veins that give the appearance of pleats. Flowers are produced continually and come in shades of magenta, pink, violet, yellow or white.

An inflorescence can have between seven and 25 flowers, and once the flowers are pollinated, they quickly develop seeds.

Although flowers still will be produced after some have turned to seed pods, it is best to remove spent blooms from this orchid to focus the plant’s energy on flower production. This plant will bloom for most of the year in warm temperatures.

Ground orchids can become invasive in tropical climates, but in central Ohio, the species makes a wonderful indoor potted plant. Place the plant where it can receive high light, but not in direct sun.

Ground orchids can be found in the Pacific Island Biome at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

— Barbara Arnold, Franklin Park Conservatory