Caribbean False Helmetorchid
Microchilus plantagineus
- Native to:
- Cuba, Dominican Republic, French Guiana, Haiti, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Puerto Rico, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, United States, Windward Is.
iNaturalist: © mgiddings (iNaturalist #269202551)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Orchidaceae
- Genus:
- Microchilus
- Species:
- Microchilus plantagineus
- USDA Symbol:
- ERPL4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 40 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jan,feb,mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov,dec
- Bloom Colors:
- white, green
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded, humid forest floors
Propagation & Germination
- Notes:
- Orchid seeds require mycorrhizal fungi for germination; extremely difficult to germinate without symbiotic association.