Prasophyllum elatum
tall leek orchid
Overview
Prasophyllum elatum is a tall terrestrial orchid growing from an underground tuber, sending up a single hollow, leek-like leaf whose stem-clasping base sheathes the flowering spike. In flower the plant stands 16-60 inches (40-150 cm) tall. The upper part of the stem carries a dense spike of 20 to 100 small flowers, each about 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) across, in shades of green, yellow-brown, reddish brown, or purplish, with the lip held uppermost as in other leek orchids. The flowers open from spring and release a sweet scent, drawing bees and other insects that pollinate them. Prasophyllum elatum grows in heath, scrub, and open forest across southern and eastern Australia, often flowering more freely in the season after fire. It depends on specific soil fungi for nutrition and is short-lived above ground, dying back to the tuber after seeding. The orchid is difficult to cultivate because of its fungal partnership, and it is grown mainly in terrestrial-orchid collections rather than general gardens.
Native Range
Prasophyllum elatum is native to southern and eastern Australia, occurring across Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and Tasmania. It grows in heath, scrubland, and open sclerophyll forest on sandy and loamy soils, often on sites that have recently burned.Suggested Uses
P. elatum is grown mainly in native-orchid and terrestrial-orchid collections, in pots or dedicated beds. In the wild it adds height to spring displays in heath and woodland. Its fungal dependence and summer dormancy keep it out of general garden borders.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'4" - 5'
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
The dense flower spike opens from spring, mainly September to December, with each spike bearing 20 to 100 scented flowers. The fragrance is strongest on warm days and draws native bees and other insects. After seeding the plant dies back to its underground tuber.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Green, brown to purplishFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow P. elatum in an open, sunny position in free-draining sandy or loamy soil, such as a deep pot or undisturbed ground where its tuber can rest dry over summer. The orchid relies on specific soil fungi, so it grows poorly without the right mycorrhizal partner and is rarely transplanted with success. It suits cool to mild climates, roughly USDA zones 8-10, and tolerates light to moderate frost while dormant. Keep the soil moist through the growing season from autumn to spring, then let it dry as the plant dies back. Feeding is minimal, as rich soils harm the fungal relationship.Pruning
P. elatum needs no pruning. Cut the spent flower spike after seed has set if self-sowing is not wanted, leaving the leaf to feed the tuber. The plant dies back naturally to its tuber over summer.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons