How to Grow a Ghost Orchid

A Rare Beauty in Your Care

The Ghost Orchid (Dendrophiles linden) is one of the most mysterious and ethereal flowering plants in the world. Known for its floating white blooms that resemble a ghost in flight, it captivates collectors and orchid enthusiasts alike. Growing this unique, leafless orchid, which is indigenous to Florida and parts of the Caribbean, is an intriguing challenge. But with patience, precision, and the right environment, nurturing a ghost orchid is possible and deeply rewarding.

Understanding the Ghost Orchid

Before attempting to grow this elusive plant, it's essential to understand its nature:

• Habitat: The ghost orchid naturally grows in very humid, tropical environments, particularly on tree trunks in deep, shaded swamps.
• Leafless: Unlike typical orchids, it lacks leaves. Photosynthesis happens through its green, root-like structures.
• Epiphytic Lifestyle: It is epiphytic, meaning it attaches itself to host trees (usually pond apple or pop ash trees), absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air and surrounding debris.

Legal and Ethical Sourcing

Because ghost orchids are endangered in the wild, it’s crucial to acquire them ethically and legally. Never collect them from their natural habitats. Look for:

• Certified nurseries: Only buy from reputable sellers who propagate ghost orchids in greenhouses or tissue culture labs.
• CITES regulations: Ensure the seller complies with CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) to avoid illegal trade.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Creating an environment that mimics the natural swampy, tropical forest is key. You can grow ghost orchids in a high-humidity greenhouse or a controlled indoor terrarium.

1. Humidity and Temperature

• Humidity: Maintain 70% to 90% humidity at all times.
• Temperature: Optimal range is 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C).
• Night drops: A 10°F temperature drop at night helps replicate its natural setting and encourages blooming.

Use humidifiers, misting systems, or enclosed terrariums to maintain this microclimate.

2. Air Circulation

Even though they require a lot of humidity, stagnant air can cause fungal infections in ghost orchids.

• Use small fans to keep the air moving.
• Ensure air exchange without dropping humidity drastically.

3. Mounting the Orchid                                 

Unlike potted orchids, ghost orchids thrive when mounted, as they grow on tree bark in the wild.

• Mount on cork bark, hardwood slabs, or natural branches (mimicking their natural host trees).
• Attach with fishing line or orchid wire, securing the root system gently against the mount.
• Moss (like sphagnum) can be added sparingly to retain moisture, but roots must stay visible and aerated.

4. Lighting

Ghost orchids prefer low to medium, filtered light similar to the dappled sunlight under a dense forest canopy.

• Use LED grow lights or cover the plant with a shade cloth and set it in a window facing north or east.
• Avoid direct sunlight; it can burn the roots and stress the plant.

Particularly during periods of low light, try to get 12–14 hours of light each day.

5. Watering Techniques

Watering a ghost orchid is an art. Since it absorbs water through its roots (no leaves), hydration is crucial.

• Mist daily in dry conditions.
• In humid environments, water every 2-3 days.
• Use distilled water or rainfall instead of tap water with minerals, which might harm the roots.
• Keep the mount damp but not soggy and allow for partial drying between watering.

6. Fertilizing

Feeding should be light but regular. Ghost orchids are sensitive to over-fertilization.

• Use a very dilute orchid fertilizer (¼ strength).
• Mist the roots once every two to three weeks.
• Flush the roots with clean water monthly to avoid salt buildup.

7. Blooming

Getting a ghost orchid to bloom is a major milestone. Blooms appear between June and August, but only under ideal conditions.

To encourage flowering:

• Maintain strict consistency in care.
• Ensure seasonal temperature variations.
• Keep light intensity and humidity stable year-round.

Blooms are white, fragrant (especially at night), and last 2–3 weeks. The plant may not bloom for several years, especially if it’s young or recently mounted.

Common Challenges

Growing a ghost orchid isn’t without its trials. Here are issues to watch for:

Root Desiccation

Dry roots can kill the plant. Increase humidity and watering frequency in dry environments.

Mold or Rot

Excess moisture or poor air circulation can lead to fungal rot. Ensure ventilation and avoid overwatering.

Pests

Watch for scale insects, mites, or fungus gnats. Treat gently with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Lack of Growth

If roots aren’t growing, the plant may be stressed. Reassess humidity, temperature, or light levels.

Tips for Success

• Maintain a journal: Record misting, watering, and condition changes. Patterns help spot problems early.
• Observe daily: Because the plant has no leaves, visual signs of stress are subtle. Monitor color and plumpness of roots.
• Stay patient: Ghost orchids grow slowly. Establishing roots and acclimating can take months or even years.

Can Ghost Orchids Be Grown Outdoors?

If you live in a region with tropical, swamp-like conditions, it may be possible to grow ghost orchids outdoors, mounted on trees. However, due to their vulnerability, it's generally better to grow them in a controlled indoor environment where conditions can be finely tuned.

Conclusion

Growing a ghost orchid is a true labor of love, demanding careful attention, consistency, and respect for nature. Its haunting beauty and rarity make it a crown jewel among orchids. Nurturing a botanical ghost into bloom is a greater reward for those who are willing to establish a properly balanced habitat than a flower. With time, passion, and care, you can witness the stunning elegance of the ghost orchid in your very own growing space.