Question
Hi there, I live in Miami and I have planted beautiful ground orchids with purple and yellow flowers. They did so incredibly well, blooming and happy and bushy until we had one really cold night. Now they look like they are dying with burnt ends and there are no blooms and almost all the leaves have gone and I can see in the middle of the plant brown bulbs. My poor orchids look so sad and I don't want to replace them. I gave them plant food two weeks ago and I am watching with hope to see if they spring back. What should I look for to help them grow back. I appreciate any suggestions. Oh, they face north.

Thanks for your help,
Laura

Answer
Hi Laura,

I believe you have Spathoglottis Plicata which most persons refer to as the ground orchid.  It can be easily grown in the ground in most parts of Florida but does need protection from temperatures below 45F in the northern part of the state, it sounds like that's where you live.  

To find out if yours are still alive and will recover, try squeezing the bulbs or corms to see if they are still solid and firm - hopefully they are.  If some or all are still alive, go easy on the watering by allowing them to go almost dry between waterings.  When you notice new growth starting, slowly increase watering but allow the ground to go slightly dry in between.  While actively growing, feed them regularly but lightly.  

When temperatures are forecast to go below 45F, cover them with a blanket, bed sheet, plastic or even newspaper to help keep them warmer.  

Hope this helps.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.