Calopogon pallidus, commonly known as Pale Grass Pink, is found throughout the southeastern United States from Virginia to Florida. It produces several pink, magenta, or white non-resupinate flowers and one grass-like basal leaf.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Calopogon pallidus, the pale grass-pink, is a species of orchid native to the southeastern United States, from Louisiana to Virginia.
Pale grasspink is a small perennial herb, growing up to 30 cm tall. It is native to the eastern United States and Canada, and is found in moist meadows, bogs, and wet woods.
The flowers of Calopogon appear to be upside down with the lip at the top of the flower and use deception to attract pollinators. Midway up the lip, a tuft of orange-yellow hairs resembles pollen which attract naive, recently emerged bees expecting a reward. Bees of sufficient weight, such as the honey bee Apis mellifera and Xylocopa virginica, force the hinged labellum to swing down, dropping the pollinator backwards onto the column. Any pollen attached to the bee is pressed onto the stigma and as the bee exits the flower, it picks up a new load of sticky pollen found on the end of the column.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Pale grasspink likes full sun. Plant it in a place with plenty of light, but not direct sunlight. Provide more than 6 hours of sunlight per day. Remember that insufficient light results in poor quality and may lead to reduced or no blooms.
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. Pale grasspink 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
While pale grasspink likes adequate moisture, they can tolerate some drought. During the growing season in summer, it is best to water once per week; in fall and winter, reduce to once per 10 days to keep the substrate moist. Keep the air moist by misting, especially when the weather is dry. It prefers water with a neutral pH. Neutralize tap- or rainwater by storing it for a period of time before watering. This can release dissolved CO2 and other substances in the water.
Soil
The “soil” required for pale grasspink 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
Pale grasspink does not need much fertilizer. To promote growth, apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (N-P-K = 30-10-10) every 10 days or so after sprouting in spring. At the beginning of summer, switch to a balanced fertilizer (N-P-K = 20-20-20). The application of a phosphorus-rich fertilizer can promote blooming in fall.
Planting Instructions
You do not need a large pot to grow an pale grasspink 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 pale grasspink. You can easily buy pale grasspink 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 pale grasspink with sphagnum moss and attach them to a tree with strings.
Pruning
It is best to prune wilted pale grasspink 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
You can propagate pale grasspink by division or by cuttings.
Propagation by division: using an pale grasspink with more stems is a better option for the division. You should do this after blooming. When dividing the plant, dig it up carefully with its roots intact, and cut the roots into several clusters from the base. Remember to use clean tools and disinfect the wounds with a fungicide. Then plant your divided clusters in containers and keep them in a cool place. While the new roots are growing, spray them with plenty of water to prevent them from drying out.
Propagate by cuttings before flowering. Choose a healthy, thick stem, remove the leaves, and cut it into small 2-node pieces. Insert the bottom directly into the substrate. Keep the substrate moist, and they will root and sprout in about 2-3 months. You can also propagate by cuttings by laying the entire stem on top of moist substrate, and cutting it into pieces after it roots and sprouts. Transplant those rooted cuttings into pots for further growth. A third way to propagate by cutting is possible during weather with high temperatures, when the stems develop roots, and you can cut them off and plant them.
III. Uses and Benefits
Calopogon pallidus is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used for erosion control and soil stabilization.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
If you want to display pale grasspink 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.
