Snakemouth orchid (Pogonia ophioglossoides) is an orchid that is native to central and eastern North America. It grows in wet soil and tends to be found in bogs, fens, and marshlands. It is attractive to many species of bumblebees who are responsible for pollinating the flowers.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Pogonia ophioglossoides, the snake mouth orchid or rose pogonia, is a species of orchid occurring from central Canada to the east-central and eastern United States. It is the type species of the genus Pogonia. It is pollinated by bees. This species occurs in wet habitats. In the north, the habitat is typically fens but sometimes also bogs. Further south, along the Gulf Coast, it is a species of wet pine savannas and flatwoods.
II. How to Grow and Care
Snakemouth orchid is a delicate wild orchid requiring specific conditions akin to its natural boggy habitat. Key care points include maintaining high humidity and ensuring acidic, well-draining soil that stays consistently moist but not waterlogged. Special care must be given to mimic the cool, shaded environment snakemouth orchid thrives in, avoiding direct sunlight which can scorch its leaves.
Sunlight
Snakemouth orchid thrives best in full sunlight conditions, where it can receive unfiltered light for the majority of the day. This optimal light exposure is crucial for snakemouth orchid’s growth and flowering. Planted outdoors, snakemouth orchid should be positioned where it will receive direct sunlight, which helps in maintaining robust health and encouraging vigorous blooming. Lack of sufficient light or variations in light intensity may result in stunted growth and reduced flowering capability.
While snakemouth orchid is a resilient species, it may exhibit signs of stress through leaf discoloration when exposed to suboptimal light levels. For gardeners seeking to foster a healthy snakemouth orchid, ensuring abundant sunlight is a key factor.
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. Snakemouth orchid 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
Native to boggy meadows, snakemouth orchid thrives in consistently moist substrates, mirroring its wetland origins. This species exhibits a preference for high humidity and has moderate drought tolerance. Watering should be consistent with once every week to maintain the desired moisture level. Given that snakemouth orchid is more commonly grown outdoors, it’s crucial to consider the impact of seasonal rainfall patterns on its watering schedule, ensuring adjustments are made during heavier or lighter rain periods.
Soil
The “soil” required for snakemouth orchid 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 optimal growth, snakemouth orchid benefits from a high nitrogen fertilizer applied sparingly during the active growth phase. Fertilizing every two weeks with a quarter-strength solution encourages vibrant leaves and robust flowering. Avoid over-fertilization, particularly during dormancy in winter, to prevent root damage. Seasonal adjustments align with growth cycles, with minimal to no fertilizer needed in the cooler months. Using distilled water to dilute the fertilizer mitigates salt accumulation, safeguarding snakemouth orchid’s delicate root system.
Planting Instructions
You do not need a large pot to grow an snakemouth orchid 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 snakemouth orchid. You can easily buy snakemouth orchid 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 snakemouth orchid with sphagnum moss and attach them to a tree with strings.
Pruning
It is best to prune wilted snakemouth orchid 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
Snakemouth orchid is most effectively cultivated through seed sowing directly in the favored growing medium, which promotes healthy root and shoot development from the onset. For successful cultivation, it’s imperative to maintain a consistently moist, well-draining environment which mimics snakemouth orchid’s natural boggy or marshland habitat. Careful attention to a stable temperature and indirect light will further enhance the germination process, ensuring a robust establishment for this native perennial.
Transplanting
Transplanting snakemouth orchid thrives best when undertaken as the frost recedes and warmth nudges growth, typically from early to late spring. Choose moist, well-drained spots with dappled light. Gentle handling of roots during the move guarantees a seamless transition.
III. Harvesting and Storage
If you want to display snakemouth orchid 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.