FloridaLandscapeIQ
Ground Orchid (Spathoglottis plicata) growing in South Florida
Grade Florida #1

Ground Orchid — South Florida Plant Guide

Spathoglottis plicata

Family: Orchidaceae · Groundcover

Legal status pending editorial verification. Confirm with your county before installation.

Landscape Uses

shaded garden bed colortropical orchid bordercontainer orchidmass planting under treesspecimen accent

Style Tags

tropicalorchidfloweringshade gardenexotic

South Florida Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Partial SunPartial ShadeMorning Sun

Water Requirements

Low3/10

Once established (12–18 months), Ground Orchid is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Moderate water. 2-3x per week dry season. Consistent moisture important for active blooming. Excellent drainage mandatory — pseudobulbs rot in wet soils. Reduce irrigation dry season.

Soil and Fertilization

organic richwell drainedamended sandy

Fertilizer: Orchid fertilizer (balanced NPK with micronutrients) or balanced 20-20-20 soluble.

Schedule: February through October every 6-8 weeks with orchid-specific or balanced fertilizer.

Salt Tolerance

Low (2/10) — plant away from salt air exposure
Mature Height
12 ft
Mature Width
12 ft
Growth Rate
moderate
Water Demand
3/10
Florida Grade
Florida #1
Installed Cost
$$
USDA Zones
10a, 10b, 11
FLEPPC Status
None
Iguana Rating
5/10

Where to Buy in South Florida

Find Ground Orchid at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Ground Orchid grow in South Florida?

Ground Orchid has a moderate growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Ground Orchid safe for pets?

Yes, Ground Orchid is considered pet-safe. Non-toxic. Generally considered safe for pets.

How much water does Ground Orchid need in South Florida?

Low water needs (3/10). Once established (12–18 months), Ground Orchid is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Can Ground Orchid tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Ground Orchid has low salt tolerance (2/10) and is not recommended near areas with significant salt air exposure.

Is Ground Orchid available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Ground Orchid is classified as: allowed. Allowed.

County Availability in South Florida

Miami-Dade County

Allowed

Allowed. NOT FLEPPC.

USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.

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Broward County

Allowed

Allowed. Common in Broward tropical garden applications.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.

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Palm Beach County

Allowed

Allowed. Moderate availability.

USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.

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Collier County

Allowed

Allowed. Moderate Collier availability.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.

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Monroe County

Allowed

Allowed. Excellent in Keys tropical warmth.

USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.

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Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.

Need a Spec Sheet?

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Ask about Ground Orchid

Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.