Showy orchis (Galearis spectabilis) is a perennial orchid that will grow 10 to 20 cm tall. It grows in deciduous wooded areas of the eastern United States. It blooms from spring to summer in clusters of 3 to 10 blossoms. Flowers are purple and white with a slight fragrance. Attracts bumblebees and other pollinators.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Galearis spectabilis, commonly known as showy orchis or showy orchid, is an orchid species of the genus Galearis. It is native to eastern Canada (Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick) and much of the eastern half of the United States. In america they are found from eastern Oklahoma north to eastern South Dakota in the west and from Atlanta, Georgia and North Alabama north up into Maine to the east.
Galearis spectabilis can be found in mesic deciduous woodlands in the eastern United States. G. spectabilis produces one or two oval, fleshy basal leaves from a rhizome, which persist throughout summer. Flower stalks arise on 10–15-centimeter (3.9–5.9 in) stems with three to twelve flowers blooming in April to May. The flowers are hooded and the namesake of the plant due to the showy, typically bicolored lavender and white flowers. The lavender hood is formed from three fused sepals. Two petals are tucked inside the hood and the labellum (third petal) is longer and white.
There are two color variants: G. spectabilis f. gordinierii has an all-white flower, while G. spectabilis f. willeyi has an entirely pink flower.
Galearis spectabilis can be found in mesic deciduous woodlands in the eastern United States, they begin growth in spring, producing one or two oval, fleshy basal leaves from a rhizome, which persist throughout summer.
Pollination of the flower is conducted by long-tongued Bombus, as well as other bees, butterflies, and moths. Besides its alluring colors, G. spectabilis flowers also provide pollinators a nectar reward which collects at the base of the spur. G. spectabilis is typically found on hillsides which may be rocky, damp and near seeps growing under a canopy of deciduous trees in half to deep shade.
Plants have also been reported to be found thriving living just about a floodplain, again under a deciduous canopy. Plants are rarely seen in full sun. Plants are slow-growing and form clumps over time via crown offshoots from the rhizome.
II. How to Grow and Care
Showy orchis is a woodland perennial that flourishes in dappled shade and moist, rich, well-draining soil, mimicking its natural forest floor habitat. Key care points include ensuring consistent soil moisture without waterlogging the plant and protecting it from intense direct sunlight, which can damage the foliage. Special care should include a thoughtful approach to mimicking its native environment, emphasizing the importance of soil composition and light conditions. Given the specific requirements and sensitivity to environmental changes, showy orchis is considered challenging to care for.
Sunlight
Showy orchis thrives best in conditions of partial sun, where it receives gentle, dappled light that mimics its native woodland settings. The light intensity should be moderate, avoiding the harsh midday sun which could damage the plant. The optimal duration of exposure to light is daylight hours under a canopy that provides intermittent shading. Although showy orchis tolerates full shade, prolonged periods without sufficient light can affect its vigor and blooming potential. The species exhibits adaptability through leaf morphology that manages light absorption under varying conditions.
For outdoor planting, showy orchis should be positioned where it can benefit from the filtered light through trees, such as on the edge of forested areas or in a shaded garden.
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. Showy orchis 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
Thriving in the moist underbrush of deciduous woodlands, showy orchis has adapted to environments with consistent moisture. This species exhibits a preference for stable humidity and is moderately drought-tolerant. To mimic its natural habitat, showy orchis should be watered every week. As an understory plant often found beneath forest canopies, showy orchis benefits from dappled light which indirectly influences its watering needs by reducing evapotranspiration rates.
Soil
The “soil” required for showy orchis 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
To foster showy orchis’s health and blooming, use balanced, low-strength liquid fertilizers biweekly during active growth in spring and summer. In dormant periods, withhold fertilizer to prevent nutrient overload. Dilute the recommended amount by half to avoid root burn. Gradual release formulations are alternative choices, adjusting seasonally as growth slows. Monitor soil pH to ensure optimal nutrient absorption for showy orchis. Well-timed and measured fertilization enhances vigor and flowering potential while ensuring ecological compatibility.
Planting Instructions
You do not need a large pot to grow an showy orchis 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 showy orchis. You can easily buy showy orchis 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 showy orchis with sphagnum moss and attach them to a tree with strings.
Pruning
It is best to prune wilted showy orchis 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
Showy orchis thrives in forested areas with rich, well-drained soil and partial shade. Propagation typically involves sowing seeds directly into a prepared substrate. However, these seeds require specific mycorrhizal fungi to germinate, akin to a symbiotic relationship. Gardeners should simulate showy orchis’s natural habitat for successful seedling development. It’s essential to maintain consistent moisture and avoid waterlogged conditions, which can be detrimental. Careful attention to the microenvironment will promote healthy growth.
Transplanting
Optimal relocation for showy orchis beckons during the gentle awakening of nature, from the thaw of early morn to the vibrance of late springtide. Select shaded, moist spots to echo its native woodland embrace. A reassuring hand aids its delicate transition.
III. Harvesting and Storage
If you want to display showy orchis 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.
