A North American orchid, spotted coralroot does not have any chlorophyll. It is parasitic in nature. It has no leaves and, instead, grows many intricate flowers on it’s reddish to cream-colored stems. Spotted coralroot only grows a few inches tall.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Corallorhiza maculata, or spotted coralroot, is a North American coralroot orchid. It has four varieties: C. maculata var. occidentalis (western spotted coralroot), C. maculata var. maculata (eastern spotted coralroot or summer coralroot), C. maculata var. mexicana, and C. maculata var. ozettensis. It is widespread through Mexico, Guatemala, Canada, St. Pierre & Miquelon, and much of the western and northern United States (though generally absent from the Great Plains and from the lowland parts of the Southeast). It grows mostly in montane woodlands.
Corallorhiza maculata is a myco-heterotroph; it lacks chlorophyll and obtains energy by parasitizing the mycelium of fungi in the family Russulaceae. The rhizome and lower stem are often knotted into branched coral shapes. The stem is usually red or brown in color, but occasionally comes in a light yellow or cream color. There are no leaves and no photosynthetic green tissues. The stems bear dark red scales and intricate orchid flowers.
Corallorhiza maculata flowers are small and emerge regularly from all sides of the stem. The sepals are dark red or brown tinged with purple, long and pointed. The side petals are reddish, and the lip petal is bright clean white with deep red spots. It is usually scalloped along its edges and 7–10 mm (9⁄32–13⁄32 in). In some varieties, the lip may be plain white without spots.
II. How to Grow and Care
Caring for spotted coralroot is considered challenging due to its unique nutritional strategy as a mycoheterotroph, relying on fungi for sustenance. Specialized conditions mimic its native woodland habitat involving well-draining, humus-rich soil and dappled shade. Ensuring a symbiotic relationship with appropriate fungi is critical for spotted coralroot’s survival outside natural environments.
Sunlight
Spotted coralroot thrives in conditions of partial sun, where it receives dappled light essential for optimal growth. This orchid is well-adapted to understory environments and can suffer from leaf scorch or poor health if exposed to direct and intense sunlight for prolonged periods. Conversely, too little light may diminish its vigor and flowering capability.
Spotted coralroot should be planted outdoors where it can enjoy the shelter of larger plants, which naturally creates the mosaic of light and shade it requires. Its adaptability includes the capacity to modulate chlorophyll concentration in response to the light available, aiding its survival in variable lighting conditions.
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. Spotted coralroot 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 its native shady, moist forest floors, spotted coralroot has adapted to absorb moisture efficiently from its surroundings. This species is resilient and can tolerate brief periods of dryness, maintaining a balance with its preference for consistent humidity. Watering should occur every week to mimic the natural hydration it would receive from rainfall in its habitat. Typically grown outdoors due to its symbiotic relationship with fungi in soil, spotted coralroot relies on this partnership for water and nutrient uptake, making it less dependent on frequent watering compared to other plants.
Soil
The “soil” required for spotted coralroot 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
Caring for spotted coralroot involves minimal fertilization due to its unique symbiotic relationship with fungi. Use balanced nutrition fertilizers sparingly, primarily before the growth period in spring. Over-fertilizing can disrupt the plant’s natural mycorrhizal associations; hence, when necessary, a gentle feed once a year suffices. This ensures healthy growth and sustenance of spotted coralroot’s delicate ecosystem. Remember, less is more for fostering its vitality.
Planting Instructions
You do not need a large pot to grow an spotted coralroot 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 spotted coralroot. You can easily buy spotted coralroot 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 spotted coralroot with sphagnum moss and attach them to a tree with strings.
Pruning
It is best to prune wilted spotted coralroot 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
Spotted coralroot is a unique orchid that thrives in symbiotic relationships with fungi, making it challenging to propagate conventionally. Propagation typically occurs naturally through division, where the underground rhizomes inadvertently separate. For propagation efforts, carefully divided rhizome segments with attached mycorrhizal fungi can be replanted in a suitable substrate, maintaining high humidity and proper soil composition. Success rates can be variable due to its ecological specificity.
Transplanting
For spotted coralroot, the best time to transplant is during the crescendo of summer warmth, as this season supports root establishment. Ensure a shady, well-draining location mimicking its natural woodland environment. Gentle handling is key to preserving delicate roots.
III. Uses and Benefits
Several Native American groups historically used the orchid’s stems dried and brewed as a tea for such maladies as colds, pneumonia, and skin irritation.
Corallorhiza maculata is also the topic of the poem On Going Unnoticed by Robert Frost.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
If you want to display spotted coralroot 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.
