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Any NJ-native orchids that are easy to cultivate and breed?

13 years ago

Hi,

Are there any species of NJ-native orchids that are easy to cultivate and will even reproduce, causing their own associated fungi to colonize around the roots making propagation possible?

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Comments (5)

garyfla_gw
13 years ago
Hi
To my knowlege there are no native epiphytic orchids outside of florida but there are Many terrestrials.
Google " N. American native orchids" shold give you a good list as well as culture requirements Also be aware that the entire family is protected but you'll get info on that also. As to "easy" most orchids are adapted to certain growing conditions so culture can be difficult even for "native" Sources for these types are also hard to come by and you'll also want to be careful of collectors.
Good luck and let us know what you come up with??? gary
ifraser25
13 years ago
I'm not from your part of the world so I have only one specific suggestion as to species. I tried growing native terrestrials in (Old) England a few years back and had very limited success. I never got a chance to try this out, but a famous orchid buff from UK told me the biggest problem with growing terrestrial orchids is that many are extremely fussy about the compost you put them in. Many require the presence of specific microfungi if they are to flourish.
His solution was to find a location where native orchids grow and dig up some of the dirt nearby to grow them in, NOT of course the plants. Then find a nursery that will sell you artificially cultivated ones. Not so simple in practice.
One N American orchid that is fairly easy to grow is Cypripedium (Slipper orchid). I think it is fairly widespread, so might be in NJ.
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snappyguy
13 years ago
As far as I know NJ only has a few species of Cypripedium, all of which are fairly difficult terrestrial orchids. That being said, there are some retailers of Cypripedium. One is at this page:

http://www.raisingrarities.com/order_form.php

Check the USDA plant index for what species are native. I've included the link to the Cypripedium page. Just click on a species and it will show you a photo of the plant and the distribution of that species in the US.

Here is a link that might be useful: USDA plant index
corymbosa
13 years ago
According to the USDA's plant database, Spiranthes odorata's range extends up into New Jersey. I've found this species to be pretty easy to grow and it will germinate in the parent's pot. I've had it come up as a weed in the pots of other terrestrial orchids as well.

Here is a link that might be useful: USDA plant database: Spiranthes odorata
corymbosa
13 years ago
The USDA plant database pulls up the following records for orchids native to NJ:

Aplectrum hyemale
Arethusa bulbosa
Calopogon tuberosus
Cleistes divaricata
Corallorhiza maculata
Corallorhiza odontorhiza
Corallorhiza trifida
Corallorhiza wisteriana
Cypripedium acaule
Cypripedium candidum
Cypripedium parviflorum
Cypripedium reginae
Dactylorhiza viridis
Epipactis helleborine
Galearis spectabilis
Goodyera pubescens
Goodyera tesselata
Isotria medeoloides
Isotria verticillata
Liparis liliifolia
Liparis loeselii
Listera australis
Listera cordata
Listera smallii
Malaxis bayardii
Malaxis brachypoda
Malaxis unifolia
Platanthera aquilonis
Platanthera Ã¯Â¿Â½bicolor
Platanthera blephariglottis
Platanthera Ã¯Â¿Â½canbyi
Platanthera Ã¯Â¿Â½channellii
Platanthera ciliaris
Platanthera clavellata
Platanthera cristata
Platanthera flava
Platanthera grandiflora
Platanthera hookeri
Platanthera huronensis
Platanthera integra
Platanthera lacera
Platanthera nivea
Platanthera orbiculata
Platanthera peramoena
Platanthera psycodes
Pogonia ophioglossoides
Spiranthes cernua
Spiranthes lacera
Spiranthes laciniata
Spiranthes lucida
Spiranthes ochroleuca
Spiranthes odorata
Spiranthes tuberosa
Spiranthes vernalis
Tipularia discolor
Triphora trianthophora

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