Ghost Orchid: How To Grow This Rare & Beautiful Flower
The native ghost orchid is the most coveted species among home growers, but it is not for the faint-hearted. Discover how to get started growing these rare, enchanting flowers.
![Ghost orchid flowers – or Dendrophylax lindenii – suspended from a tree via roots](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/u7grePpA6ibkzJgXrJrJb3-415-80.jpg)
![Melanie Griffiths](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TsUL6EV9orE2D5P6E4TURT.jpg)
The ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) is a rare and endangered native flower that has long fascinated gardeners. However, orchid care for this species is challenging for even experienced growers.
Ghost Orchid Quick Facts
Botanical name: Dendrophylax lindenii
Height: 9 inches (20cm)
Spread Roots: May spread 20 inches (50cm)
Sun exposure: Bright indirect light
Soil requirements: Grows on tree bark
Hardiness zones: 10-11, or indoors in a controlled environment
When to plant: Early spring
Also known as “palm polly” or “white frog orchid”, Dendrophylax lindeniii is a different species to Epipogium aphyllum, another rare orchid known as the ghost orchid, that grows in Europe, Russia, and Asia.
Ghost orchid flowers are white and have an other-worldly appearance that lends a mysterious quality. Their sweet scent is only released at night, to attract giant sphinx moths that pollinate the plants.
As ghost orchids have no foliage, flowers appear suspended in the air as the epiphytic plants tightly attach themselves to tree trunks via aerial orchid roots. They grow on several tree species, including cypress, pond apple, and maple.
Their unique appearance and rareness make ghost orchids highly coveted among growers looking to cultivate unusual species.
Where Do Ghost Orchids Grow?
The ghost orchid is found primarily in humid, marshy areas of Florida, Cuba, and the Bahamas.
Like most wild orchids in the United States, ghost orchid plants are threatened by the loss of pollinators, pesticides, and climate change.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our most popular eBook "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes."
Scientists estimate that only about 1,500 ghost orchid plants are growing wild in Florida, and the location of many of these native orchids is not known publicly, due to the threat from poachers.
Removing one from the wild is illegal, and, in any case, people who manage to remove an orchid from its environment are usually disappointed when the plant soon dies.
In recent years, botanists have made good progress in devising sophisticated means of seed germination for ghost orchids, and have reintroduced a number to the wild.
However, you are highly unlikely to come across one on a visit to the Everglades. Your best bet is to visit sanctuaries where they are growing, such as the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
How To Grow Ghost Orchids
Ghost orchids have very particular requirements that make them difficult to grow – but not impossible. It is only natural that orchid aficionados will want to challenge themselves by growing this elusive beauty. But they require perseverance, trial and error, and often deep pockets.
It is illegal to buy wild plants, but young plants cultivated in captivity can be purchased via specialist growers and retailers. As the demand outstrips supply they are expensive to buy.
Mounting Ghost Orchids
The main challenge when growing ghost orchids is to mount plants on a suitable substrate. Unlike most orchids grown by home gardeners, ghost orchids cannot simply be planted into a commercial orchid potting medium.
While young plantlets can be grown on a bed of live moss, they will eventually need to be transferred to their permanent home on tree bark. This must be large enough to accommodate the mature plant size, as once mounted ghost orchids cannot be moved.
Plants are slow-growing and take several years to reach maturity before they bloom. Therefore, the substrate must have a long lifespan before it decays – ideally decades. It must also be able to hold moisture without rotting and have a living patina of moss and lichens. These will help to give the orchid moisture and nutrients via its roots, which is vital as the plant does not have the water-storage capacity of some other types of orchids.
Old hickory bark or Florida buttonwood are recommended bark species, although some growers have had success with cork slabs and even clay pots.
Spanish moss is a good addition to the mount and should cover around a third of the root system.
Light Requirements
Ghost orchids require bright but indirect light in order to thrive. Ideally, position them in an east- or west-facing window.
Plants can be located close to south-facing windows where the sunlight is filtered, such as by a sheer curtain.
If you cannot provide enough light naturally, then you can use artificial grow lights.
Temperature & Humidity
Ghost orchids require a daytime temperature range between 70°F and 85°F (21°C to 29°C), and a cooler nighttime temperature of 60°F to 65°F (16°C to 18°C). This dip between day and night helps the production of ghost orchid flowers.
The plants thrive in a humid environment – at least 50%, ideally around 70%. This can be created with a humidifier.
Making an orchid terrarium is a popular option among ghost orchid growers, as it naturally creates a more humid, controlled environment. Ghost orchids are suited to both open and closed terrariums.
Watering
Generally, watering orchids involves creating a constant cycle of wet and dry. Ghost orchids are no different, although they are more sensitive than most species. If kept constantly wet, they will likely rot; if left to dry for too long, they will die.
On average, water twice per week with rainwater. Using tap water can cause a harmful build-up of salts.
Slow down watering over winter to 2-3 times per month, as the orchid requires a drier period prior to producing flowers.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing orchids is always important to encourage flowers. You should fertilize ghost orchids when watering, using a weak dilution of orchid feed.
The plants also require the addition of mycorrhizal fungi, which can be added to watering or misting in its liquid form.
![Melanie Griffiths](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TsUL6EV9orE2D5P6E4TURT.jpg)
Melanie has worked in homes and gardens media for two decades. Having previously served as Editor on Period Living magazine, and worked on Homes & Gardens, Gardening Etc, Real Homes, and Homebuilding & Renovating, she is now focusing on her passion for gardening as a Senior Editor at Gardening Know How.
Melanie has spent the last few years transforming her own garden, and is also a keen home grower, having experimented with pretty much every type of vegetable at some point.
In her spare time, she loves to explore inspiring gardens and historic properties.
- Mary H. DyerWriter
-
Urban Composting Guide: How To Compost In The Middle Of The City
Urban composting does not have to be daunting. You can compost in the city, and maybe even try some urban worm composting!
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Shrub Diseases And Pests To Watch Out For
Shrub diseases and pests can be challenging. Learn how to recognize and eradicate them before they can present a danger to your plants.
By Susan Albert
-
Orchid Care: How To Grow Happy, Healthy Plants Indoors
Growing orchids as houseplants is such a rewarding hobby. Learn their unique care needs to keep plants thriving and bursting with flowers.
By Melanie Griffiths
-
Orchid Buds Falling Off: How To Prevent Orchid Bud Blast
If your orchid's buds fall off before they have a chance to bloom, your plant has bud blast. Learn the common causes and how to remedy the situation so you can enjoy your orchid flowers for as long as possible.
By Melanie Griffiths
-
26 Different Types Of Orchids – With Pictures & Information
Discover stunning orchid varieties to grow in your home and garden – from easy beginner varieties to rare and exotic species that are the preserve of experts.
By Melanie Griffiths