Ponerorchis graminifolia

[Ron-NY]

Ponerorchis is a genus of terrestrial tuberous orchids in the Orchidaceae family that is sometimes included in the genus Orchis.

Ponerorchis graminifolia is very easy to grow, the biggest danger is too much water and thence rot. After they've flowered they'll stay in growth for a long time then just go to sleep with the fall. At this point I put the pot in the greenhouse and don't give them a drop of water until spring rolls around again. They are happy bone dry in the pot. If you knock them out be prepared to play hunt the tuber - they are like many Orchis that gather a coating of whatever medium they are in that very effectively camouflages them.

This species is very popular in Japan where it has been grown since the Edo period by Samurai and is now grown in small orchid pots and displayed with many fancy cultivars selling for outrageous sums of money.

I can not take credit for the flower. It was sent to me in bloom from a friend in California.

 

[SlipperFan]

That's pretty cool, Ron. I looks like it might continue to bloom, like the reedstem Epi's.

 

[Bolero]

Interesting plant and not one I've seen before.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[toddybear]

Big head of flowers on such a small stem. Never seen that species before. Thnaks for sharing!

 

[NYEric]

Good job. Also in the list of plants I've already killed by overwatering!

 

[the jive turkey]

I'd love to grow this species if I could! I understand they prefer cool temperatures right?
are they in a bark mix?

 

[Ron-NY]

It is in fine bark mix. I can't keep it too cool in the summer but the plant did fine. I will keep the tuber dry and cool for the winter. It is just starting to go into hibernation, just as my new terrestrial is waking up, Pterostylis nutans. Hopefully, this new one will do well and I will post a pic of the flower come spring.

 

[paphioboy]

i assume that it is related to habenaria..?

 

[Ron-NY]

their flower structure is similar but Habenaria grow in bogs and Ponerorchis is an open woodland orchid that is native to Japan.

 

[kentuckiense]

Ponerorchis, Orchis, Habenaria, Platanthera, Anacamptis, etc. are all allied.