How to Grow Pterostylis coccina
Wikimedia Commons
Pterostylis coccina
Pterostylis coccina
flowerPterostylis coccina, commonly known as the Red Striped Greenhood, is a terrestrial orchid native to southeastern Australia characterized by distinctive red or crimson striped flowers and hooded sepals. This small to medium-sized orchid grows from underground tubers and produces a rosette of basal leaves with an erect flowering stem. It is a deciduous orchid that flowers in autumn to early winter and requires cool, moist conditions typical of temperate rainforest understory habitats.
When should you plant Pterostylis coccina in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Pterostylis coccina timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Pterostylis coccina
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Pterostylis coccina blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pterostylis coccina dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-10b; prefers cool to temperate climates with high humidity and protection from extreme heat
Sign up free to see if Pterostylis coccina grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Pterostylis coccina timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy/Tuber Rest
June-August (varies by location)Underground tuber is inactive; minimal visible growth above ground during summer months
Reduce watering significantly; keep soil relatively dry but not completely desiccated; ensure cool, dry storage conditions; monitor for rot or pest damage to tubers
Leaf Development
August-OctoberBasal rosette of leaves emerges as temperatures cool in autumn; leaves are typically narrow, lanceolate, and green
Gradually increase watering as growth resumes; maintain cool temperatures (50-65°F optimal); provide high humidity; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues; fertilize lightly with orchid fertilizer at half strength
Flowering
October-DecemberErect flowering stem emerges bearing distinctive hooded flowers with red or crimson striping; flowers have characteristic Pterostylis hood shape with lateral sepals forming a gap
Maintain consistent moisture and humidity; keep temperatures cool (50-65°F); provide adequate light to support blooming; avoid moving plant during flowering; do not fertilize heavily as this can reduce flower production
Post-Flowering
December-MarchFlowers fade and seed pods may develop; foliage continues to photosynthesize; plant prepares for gradual transition to dormancy
Leave foliage intact to allow energy to return to tuber; maintain moderate watering; reduce fertilizer; allow light levels to gradually decrease as winter progresses
Senescence
March-JuneFoliage yellows and dies back; new tuber develops at base of plant; plant enters summer dormancy
Reduce watering as foliage declines; do not remove dead leaves until they separate easily from plant; transition pot to drier location; prepare for summer rest period
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Isolate affected plants; increase humidity and air circulation; spray with neem oil or sulfur-based fungicide; remove heavily infested foliage
-
and
Handpick from foliage and around soil; use beer traps; apply copper-based barriers; ensure good air circulation to reduce moisture buildup
-
Improve drainage and air circulation; reduce watering frequency; remove affected tissue; apply fungicide containing fosetyl-Al or phosphites; repot in fresh media if crown rot develops
-
Inspect regularly; remove with cotton swab dipped in alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap; isolate infested plants; improve air circulation
-
Hand-remove visible scales; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil; monitor regularly; maintain healthy plant vigor through proper care
Uses
Not edible
CulinaryPterostylis coccina is not used as food or culinary ingredient; it is purely ornamental. [source]
Floristry and ornamental displays
CraftThe distinctive hooded flowers are prized by orchid enthusiasts and are suitable for cut flower arrangements and specialized orchid collections. The unique morphology makes it a talking point in botanical gardens and specialized displays. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeNative Australian orchids like Pterostylis coccina evolved to attract specific pollinators, particularly wasps and small insects; growing these plants supports native pollinator populations in appropriate climates. [source]
Specialist indoor and greenhouse cultivation
HouseholdRequires controlled conditions (cool greenhouse, terrarium, or shade house) making it suitable for serious orchid hobbyists; provides year-round interest through seasonal growth cycles and autumn flowering. [source]
Traditional use in Indigenous cultures
MedicinalWhile not widely documented in modern Western herbalism, terrestrial orchids have been used in traditional Australian Indigenous medicine; specific medicinal properties of P. coccina require further research. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental orchid grown for flowers rather than harvest. Cut flowers can be carefully harvested at peak bloom by cutting the stem above the basal rosette; cut flowers typically last 1-2 weeks in a vase with fresh water. Allow plants to flower in-situ for maximum garden impact. Seed pods may be left to mature if seeds are desired for propagation (requires sophisticated orchid seed propagation techniques including laboratory conditions).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pterostylis orchids are known as 'Greenhoods' because of their distinctive hooded sepal formation that resembles a monk's hood; the flower shape is an adaptation to attract specific wasp pollinators that mistake the flower for another wasp
- 🌱 These orchids undergo a remarkable seasonal cycle, disappearing completely underground during summer dormancy and re-emerging in autumn, making them a challenge for growers unfamiliar with deciduous orchids
- 🌱 The genus Pterostylis contains over 100 species endemic to Australia and New Zealand, with many species having extremely narrow geographic distributions and specialized pollination requirements, making them increasingly important for conservation efforts
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Pterostylis coccina planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Pterostylis coccina seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Pterostylis coccina timeline →