Habenaria radiata
Steve Marak (Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:55:38 PDT)
Jim,
Several things in your note caught my eye, and I'd appreciate any further
comments from you or others who grow this plant.
I don't have H. radiata, though I grow several other Habenarias in the
greenhouse, including the "duck orchid", Pecteilis sagarikii, which is one
in all but name (and used to be in that, as well). All have a seasonal
dormancy, and some are touchier about it than others - the most sensitive
rot if too wet, and dessicate if too dry. Others, like the Pecteilis, seem
indifferent (unless kept very wet while dormant).
I've seen H. radiata advertised in several catalogs as being hardy into
USDA zone 5 - but many of those catalogs seem to be remarkably optimistic
in their hardiness estimates, to put it diplomatically. On the other hand,
it's certainly possible.
Your note suggests that H. radiata will tolerate either dry or wet during
its winter dormancy?
Steve
On Thu, 10 Sep 2009, Jim McKenney wrote:
Habenaria radiata (aka Pecteilis radiata, Platanthera radiata) is blooming
here now. This is such a cool little plant, and it’s easily grown.
Past experience here has shown that while the plants are winter hardy here
in the bog trays, the plants are so small that they get lost in such a
setting. For me it has been easier to grow them in a low pot during the
summer and store the corms in the refrigerator during the winter. I keep it
wet during the summer and dry during the winter, and so far that has worked
for me for years.
-- Steve Marak
-- samarak@gizmoworks.com