Pheladenia Deformis

Description

Pheladenia Deformis, commonly known as the Greenhood Orchid, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Orchidaceae family. This herbaceous plant is native to Australia and is found in a variety of habitats, including open forests, heathlands, and grasslands. The Greenhood Orchid is a terrestrial plant that grows up to 50 cm in height and produces one or two green flowers that are about 3 cm long.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Greenhood Orchid has a single stem that grows straight up from the ground and is covered in small, green leaves. At the top of the stem, one or two green flowers grow that have a distinct hood-like structure. The flowers have a long, thin stem that holds them above the leaves. The petals and sepals of the flower are green, and the labellum is white with a green stripe down the center.

Care Guide

To care for the Greenhood Orchid, it is important to ensure it has adequate water, fertilizer, soil, sunlight, and is planted in the right hardiness zone.

Water

The Greenhood Orchid prefers to be kept moist, but not too wet. Water it once a week and make sure the soil is not waterlogged.

Fertilization

Fertilize the Greenhood Orchid with a balanced fertilizer every four weeks during the growing season.

Soil

Plant the Greenhood Orchid in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.

Sunlight

The Greenhood Orchid prefers to be in partial shade, but can tolerate full sun if it is not too hot.

Hardiness Zones

The Greenhood Orchid can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Greenhood Orchid is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:

Slugs and Snails

These pests can eat the leaves and flowers of the Greenhood Orchid.

Root Rot

If the soil is too wet, the roots of the Greenhood Orchid can rot.

Spider Mites

These pests can infest the leaves of the Greenhood Orchid and cause them to turn yellow and dry out.

Habitat

The Greenhood Orchid is native to Australia and can be found in a variety of habitats, including open forests, heathlands, and grasslands. It prefers to grow in moist soil and partial shade.

Question and Answer

Q: How often should I water my Greenhood Orchid?

A: Water your Greenhood Orchid once a week and make sure the soil is not waterlogged.

Q: What kind of fertilizer should I use for my Greenhood Orchid?

A: Use a balanced fertilizer every four weeks during the growing season.

Q: What hardiness zones can the Greenhood Orchid grow in?

A: The Greenhood Orchid can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.

Q: What pests and diseases are the Greenhood Orchid susceptible to?

A: The Greenhood Orchid is susceptible to slugs and snails, root rot, and spider mites.

Related Plants

Other plants in the Orchidaceae family include:

• Cymbidium Orchid
• Phalaenopsis Orchid
• Dendrobium Orchid
• Miltonia Orchid

References

• “Pheladenia Deformis.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia), www.anpsa.org.au/p-def.html.
• “Greenhood Orchid.” Australian National Botanic Gardens, www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/gnp1/pheladenia-deformis.html.
• “Pheladenia Deformis.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 23 Mar. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pheladenia_deformis.