Cranefly Orchid (Tipularia discolor)

Crippled Cranefly (Tipularia discolor) is a species native to North America with very peculiar insectile flowers. Each shoot only grows a single leaf which disappears when the plant begins to bloom. It grows in woodland and requires moist soil and decaying wood. Its leaves are often green on the front and purple on the back.

I. Appearance and Characteristics 

Tipularia discolor, the crippled cranefly or crane-fly orchid, is a perennial terrestrial woodland orchid, a member of the family Orchidaceae. It is the only species of the genus Tipularia found in North America. It occurs in the southeastern United States from Texas to Florida, the range extending north into the Ohio Valley and along the Appalachians as far north as the Catskills. There are also isolated populations in Massachusetts and in the Great Lakes region. Tipularia discolor is a common early pioneer during secondary succession, readily colonizing woodland habitats during early developmental or regrowth stages.

Tipularia discolor grows a single leaf in September that disappears in the spring. The leaf top is green, often with dark purple spots. The leaf underside is a striking purple color. The flower blooms in mid-July to late August. The roots are a connected series of edible corms. They are starchy and almost potato-like.

The plant is pollinated by noctuid moths, by means of flowers which incline slightly to the right or left, so the pollinaria can attach to one of the moth’s compound eyes. The details of the inflorescence can be seen in a video recorded in State Botanical Gardens in Athens, GA .

Crane-fly orchids are endangered, threatened, or rare in several states.

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

Crippled Cranefly flourishes best in environments with partial sunlight, where it receives dappled shade for most of the day. This ensures it is not overwhelmed by the intensity of full sun, yet it receives enough light to thrive. Although capable of adjusting to different light intensities, crippled Cranefly may not exhibit optimal growth when subjected to extended periods of deep shade or direct sunlight. Variations from its preferred light conditions can result in stunted growth or weakened health. Adaptively, crippled Cranefly’s foliage may respond to extreme light conditions, but the full range of its light-related adaptations is not commonly detailed. Crippled Cranefly is typically found in outdoor settings, favoring positions under the canopy of open deciduous forests that mimic the filtered light of its natural habitat.

Temperature

Orchid plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions, preferring warm, moist conditions. Optimum growth temperatures are between 18 to 28 ℃, and it’s best if there is a certain difference in temperature between day and night: for example, 20 to 25 ℃ during the day and 15 to 18 ℃ at night. Crippled Cranefly is a drought-tolerant plant, but cannot tolerate waterlogging, and grows well at 50-70% humidity. If the leaf tips are withered, it means the environment is too dry. Use a humidifier or spray bottle to increase the air humidity.

Watering

Crippled Cranefly thrives in its native understory habitat, where intermittent shade and soil moisture are prevalent. It exhibits a preference for consistent humidity, maintaining a balance that prevents both over-saturation and drought stress. For optimal health, crippled Cranefly should be watered every week. Cultivated primarily as an indoor plant due to its modest size and ornamental foliage, crippled Cranefly benefits significantly from the stable environment provided by container living, which allows for precise control of watering schedules and soil moisture levels.

Soil

The “soil” required for crippled Cranefly is special because, as an epiphyte, it originally grew on big trees in tropical forests. You need to mimic this growing environment with, for example, water moss, wood chips, coconut shells, volcanic stones, or perlite as soil substrate. You can also buy orchid-specific soil directly from gardening stores.

Fertilizing

For crippled Cranefly, use balanced nutrition fertilizers monthly during active growth, reducing to bimonthly or ceasing in dormancy. Benefits include robust growth and potential for heightened bloom vitality. Apply at half-strength to avoid root burn, considering crippled Cranefly’s sensitivity. Seasonal adjustments maximize nutrient uptake. Diligent watering post-fertilization ensures soil nutrient distribution. Safety tip: wear gloves and avoid over-fertilization to prevent harm to crippled Cranefly’s delicate ecology.

Planting Instructions

You do not need a large pot to grow an crippled Cranefly as it won’t produce a vigorous root system that occupies much space. If the pot is too large, the soil tends to collect water and cause root rot. The height of the pot should be 2.5 cm taller than the (pseudo)bulb of the crippled Cranefly. You can easily buy crippled Cranefly in a local gardening store and simply place it in breathable, well-drained substrate. After planting, use upright sticks to support flowering branches. In warm, humid climates, cover the root of crippled Cranefly with sphagnum moss and attach them to a tree with strings.

Pruning

It is best to prune wilted crippled Cranefly flowers promptly after blooming to reduce unnecessary nutrient consumption and promote more blooms. Trim withered and diseased leaves promptly to increase air circulation, thus reducing pests and diseases.

Propagation

Crippled Cranefly can primarily be propagated through sowing. Gardeners should collect the mature seed capsules once they dry on the plant, which typically occurs after flowering. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and lightly covered, as they require some light to germinate. Maintaining consistent moisture without overwatering is crucial for successful germination. Careful attention to fungus prevention can also enhance seedling health.

Transplanting

The prime time to transplant crippled Cranefly is when the warmth of late spring kisses the earth through to the nurturing embrace of early summer. Situate crippled Cranefly in dappled shade and moist, well-drained soil. Gentle handling is key to avoid root disturbance.

III. Harvesting and Storage

If you want to display crippled Cranefly flowers in vases, harvest there are only 2-3 flowers blooming on the stem. Cut diagonally at the bottom of the flower stem, and place it in a vase immediately. You can enjoy the cut flower in clean water for about 14 days, or for a longer time with preservatives.