Cypripedium acaule, commonly known as Pink Lady-slipper
Now it looks like this:
Seed pods of pink lady-slipper, Cypripedium acaule
Lady Slipper Seed Germination
As related by William Cullina in The New England Wild Flower Society Guide to Growing and Propagating Wildflowers
- “The typical lady-slipper seedpod contains between 10,000 and 20,00 seeds!”
- The reason they have so many seeds is because the seeds lack endosperm
- Without endosperm, the seeds are very light and are spread by the wind
- “Without endosperm, orchid seeds cannot germinate unless they become infected by certain soil fungi [Rhizoctonia mycorrhizae], which the seedlings partially digest to obtain the sugars and nutrients necessary for growth.”
- “Once a seedling has chlorophyll-containing leaves and a few roots, it . . . becomes less and less dependent on the fungus for survival.”
- “At least some species of Rhizoctonia are pathogenic or disease-causing when they infect nonorchidaceous species, such as members of the Mustard family.”
Cullina states
In my experience, adequate sunlight; moisture; and a well-aerated, good organic soil with adequate fertility is all adult lady-slippers need to grow well. In fact, even small seedlings that we have received in sterile bags (growing without mycorrhizae) grow on very well in a sterile, hydroponic mix. It seems clear that once the seedlings have passed out of the critical germination stage, they can grow well in cultivated conditions without mycorrhizae.
However, Cullina says that the pink lady-slipper I have does “not adapt well to cultivation.” I plan to leave them right where they are, and I’m not messing with the seed pods. But I learned a few things tonight and thought I’d share them with you.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
For anyone considering trying to grow their own Pink Lady Slippers from seed, check out http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/pink_ladys_slipper.htm , a site I happened to find when doing research for my own northern garden. This information brings home just how delicate our ecosystem is and why we don’t see these flowers everywhere. I feel guilty now for the wild flowers I used to pick for my Mom when I was a young girl. I really had no idea of the damage I was doing. I now encourage kids to draw me a picture or describe to me what they’ve encountered, and leave the flowers for everyone to enjoy. NOTE: For those like me who think they need to write this site down long-hand, simply highlight it and then right click on it, then use the cut option. When you need to recall it, simpy right click again and use paste or copy option. Aren’t computers wonderful? I hope this was helpful for someone out there, and best of luck growing your own Pink Lady Slippers.**Pat Amero- Yukon, Canada
Does anybody know where I can buy lady slipper flowers? Yellow or pink or both.
Thanks, Roger
I forgot my lady slipper dreams–time to start them up again!
Twitter: @commonweeder
My friend kathy Puckett is a genius with plants and has added several lady slippers to her garden. It doesn’t hurt that she has a neighbor who grows these commercially.
commonweeder´s last blog ..November Muse Day 2009
Twitter: @moranwrite
I didn’t find any lady slippers on my walk yesterday in the rain! I would like to try planting them. I’ve got a crew of students in a vocational education program (greenhouse) who could do the fussing that these seeds probably need to germinate. Does anyone have any seed we can try? We’re a nonprofit organization.
Twitter: @ChickDigtheDirt
My grandmother used to have yellow lady slippers in her garden in Mass.- it was always my favorite every year!
Twitter: @moranwrite
It is raining here today, but I’m still going out to a spot where I know there are Lady’s Slippers and see if I can find seed. Thanks for the information and pics, Kathy.
I’d heard that growing ladies slippers from seed was not an easy thing to do. I was on a butterfly club trip in the NCmtns during May several years back and we were lead to see three different wild species of ladies slippers in full bloom!
Randy´s last blog ..Spiced Pears and Pomegranate
Such a thrill to find Lady Slippers! Consider yourself blessed when they grow without an invitation…they are definitely particular about where they grow and are very difficult to transplant! They do prefer the acidic soil that is typical of New England…I often see them growing near white pines in areas that have been previously disturbed but are now ‘left to nature’.
I must disagree about the nature and her color harmonies…I have yet to see a color combo that I see in nature that is not devine…but of course I love browns and yellows and grays…and purple…
I always feel the trick is to figure out how she does it just right-because if I tried that color combo it would not work.
GartenGrl
Cool Garden Things´s last blog ..Garden Note to Self:
Twitter: @HelenYoest
I love these kind of discovering during walks. H.
Helen Yoest @ Gardening With Confidence´s last blog ..The Book of Six © Six Facts About Honey Bees in General
Twitter: @Indygardener
It seems some seeds are better left alone. That was great information!
Carol, May Dreams Gardens´s last blog ..A Gardeners’ Guide to "Quantities"
Twitter: @suburbangarden
I was jealous then, I’m still jealous now. They are so wonderful.
Mr. McGregor’s Daughter´s last blog ..Book Review: What’s Wrong With My Plant?
Twitter: @mycornerofkaty
Oh, how I’d love to grow those delicate beauties! Since I can’t, I’ll enjoy them through your posts.
Twitter: @reddirtramblin
I am always amazed during my fall nature walks. Things change so dramatically. I love your lady slippers.~~Dee