If you are easily scared, you may have to turn away because… we’re going on a ghost hunt…

In Central and Southern Florida there lives a small, wild, and rare orchid. It is sometimes called the “Little Ghost Orchid”. It also goes by the name of the Needleroot or Jingle Bell Orchid. I was reading about these over at “The Florida Native Orchid Blog“.

Come with me, as we stalk this rare beauty and discover some fascinating things about it.

While online, you can imagine anything that you like, so let’s go to Central Florida in mid September. If you are presently having cold weather, it will not be too hard to imagine this.

A Trek to the Swamp

We are walking through an field that is not far from a swampy place. This is a good area to spot the rare and lovely Little Ghost Orchid. For those of you that have knowledge of caring for orchids, throw it out the window. You are out in the wild and this is not an orchid supplies store.

We are looking for orchid types that grow on trees. Eastern Red Cedar or Bald Cypress is a good bet at this time of year. You may have to look close, as they are not a large plant and may be in a crevice or small branch.

A Ghost Hunt

Do you see that?

This is a cousin of the Little Ghost and is often called just a Ghost Orchid. Notice its large white flower. Do not get too close, as the ground is a little soggy over there. See how its roots seem to be glued to the tree bark?

If we look hard enough, we may find a Little Ghost Orchid. Let’s walk farther over to this abandoned orange grove. Most of the trees are dead, but there are still a few that are alive.

Oh my, do you see those tiny yellow blooms?

You have to look very close at the branch of the tree. What looks like veins or tiny branches are roots of the Needleroot or Little Ghost Orchid. If I do not point it out, you will most likely walk right by, and miss a rare and beautiful treat.

Well, I guess it is time to go back home. But it has been fun hasn’t it? I hope it wasn’t too spoooooky!

For more about growing your orchids to scary heights, find out How to Select the Best Orchid Fertilizer.