Here in Florida, Spathoglottis are often referred to as swamp or ground orchids. They require copious amounts of water. Mine actually sit in water as they're in pots. Since I'm further north than you, and mine are fine, I would question if cold weather is the problem. It's been into the upper 30s several nights this winter. That said, I have "killed" mine only to find they've come back to life in the compost pile, months later. It could also well be a Phaius or even warmth tolerant Cymbidium, which will lose a lot of leaves, while it's growing new leaves. Phaius also needs lots and lots of water. It's easy to forget central and southern Florida are more like a desert in winter, not the tropics, and we really need to water daily. Since you are in Florida, your plant could be a whole lot of things, since we can grow lots and lots of orchids in the ground. But based on your terminology, I'm guessing it's a Spathoglottis.

I happen to love Ground Orchids. As a newbie to Florida, (been here 2 1/2 years) they made my short list of favorite plants. UNTIL...I started to try to grow them!!! Maybe it's location or the finicky first year, but oh man...it's been a tough ride! I also have Grapettes, and since planting them in early October, they have bent, burned, died back...now they're practically just stubble. But I am not giving up! I have covered them these last 2 nights, and darn it, they WILL be beautiful this spring! P.S...Any advice? ;)

If you have the one known as Chinese Ground Orchid, Bletilla striata, then it would be hardy for you, temperature wise. On the other hand, the Philippine Ground Orchid, Spathoglottis plicata, is strictly a tropical plant and it's doubtful if it would survive at temperatures below freezing. I grow Bletilla striata at several locations in my gar'den. with various amounts of sunlight and shade. Requires well drained soil or faces the danger of bulb rot. Voles love them and as a consequence, they need protection from the critters! If left undisturbed, they can form fairly large colonies in just a few years. I have heard that Spathoglottis plicata can be a very demanding plant. requiring high humidity and constant attention to supplying moisture. IMO, I think it is shameful and a sign of care-less management, that HD and other plant retailers, would purchase from a supplier that don't provide the Botanical binomial name, Hardiness and cultural information on their tags or pots.

I would not recommend planting any epiphytic orchid in the ground. These are not soil dwelling orchids and do not appreciate the heaviness of garden soil. Root rots can develop quickly. Terrestrial or ground orchids like the Bletilla or Cyprepedium/lady slippers will do best in the ground. All others should be grown in containers with a suitable, very aerated orchid medium.