Pterostylis vittata
banded greenhood
Overview
Pterostylis vittata is a terrestrial orchid forming colonies of green and white flowers on slender stems 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) tall. Each stem carries 3 to 10 hooded flowers arranged along the upper portion. The flowers are translucent green marked with longitudinal dark green and white bands, the source of the common name banded greenhood. The hood, or galea, is formed from the fused dorsal sepal and petals and curves forward over the column. A narrow, pointed labellum sits within the hood and is sensitive to touch, snapping inward when triggered by an insect. Plants grow from underground tubers and produce a basal rosette of stalked leaves 0.4-1.2 inches (1-3 cm) long in young plants, while flowering stems carry smaller stem-clasping leaves. The species is dormant through the dry summer months, with foliage and flower stems emerging after autumn rains. Colonies spread by daughter tubers and form dense patches in suitable soil. Flowering occurs in winter and early spring. The plant requires a defined summer dormancy and is intolerant of waterlogging while dormant, which limits cultivation outside Mediterranean-type climates.
Native Range
Pterostylis vittata occurs across southern Western Australia, with populations extending into South Australia. It grows in winter-wet woodland and shrubland on sandy and lateritic soils.Suggested Uses
Grown by terrestrial orchid specialists in pots within a cool glasshouse or bush-house. Suited to collections in regions with dry summers and wet winters. Not adapted to open garden cultivation in humid-summer climates.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'
Width/Spread2" - 4"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
green with white and dark green bandsFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-4 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
Grows in a free-draining sandy or loam-based medium kept moist through the autumn-to-spring growing season. Requires a dry, warm rest period once the foliage dies back in late spring, with tubers held nearly dry through summer. Positions in dappled light or part shade match its woodland origins. Established colonies are sensitive to disturbance and to division outside dormancy. Tubers are repotted while dormant, with fresh medium each year. Watering during summer dormancy causes tuber rot.Pruning
Spent flower stems are cut at the base once seed is not required, after flowering finishes in spring. No other trimming is needed, as foliage dies back into summer dormancy.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons