Australian Orchids.

I am currently growing two species of Australian deciduous orchids. Both are known as ‘green hoods’ although they vary in habit a little from one another. I think they both show great promise as accent plants as they are interesting without being too bright or showy to take away from a tree they might be exhibited with.

Pterostylis curta is an upright form that sends up flower spines of about 20cm upon which small flowers sit.

Pterostylis curta

Pterostylis nutans on the other hand sends up slightly shorted spines and has flowers that bow over or nod which is why they are also refered to as the nodding green hoods.

Pterostylis nutans

The best part about these orchids is how easy they are to care for. They are deciduous and require very little water over their growing season and none whilst they are dormant. They also reproduce easily and produce new bulbs each year which you can separate at re-potting time to make new plants. They seem very happy in pot culture which is another plus for the species.

Pterostylis nutans

Potted up they make interesting accents although once this pot fills with a few more tubers it will make for a better display.

Interesting shapes.

Close up they are very pretty.

You often find these orchids available  at orchid shows and specialist nurseries, but as they reproduce so easily if you can find someone who has them chances are they will have some spare at re-potting time.

Well worth a look if you are after a native accent.