Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Sunday - May 24, 2009
From: Machias, ME
Region: Northeast
Topic: Propagation
Title: Pink lady slipper orchids in Maine
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Hi, I have moved to Maine from Virginia--it's a new world of plants!!Exciting!! I have found 2 pink lady slippers on our property. What can I do to encourage them to multiply? I know some wild flower don't like to be fertilized. Thanks for your helpANSWER:
There were 8 members of the genus Cypripedium in our Native Plant Database, 3 that are native to Maine, but only one, Cypripedium reginae (showy lady's slipper), that seemed to have the color to be called a pink lady's slipper. However, we found information on a plant, Cypripedium acaule, (website from the Orchid Board) that looks more like what you are talking about. Just because it is not in our Native Plant Database doesn't mean it's not native, we believe it is. It just means we don't have very many orchids in our database.The gist of the information we found advised leaving the orchid alone, that it could rarely be transplanted, and tended to die in gardens. It would appear it only flourishes in a specific habitat. Be happy you have it and don't advertise; most of the wild orchids are endangered because of over-picking and attempts to move them from their habitat to sell them. Cypripedium acaule USDA Plant Profile of Maine shows it growing all over the state.
More pictures of Cypripedium acaule
Other lady's slippers native to Maine: from our Native Plant Database
Cypripedium arietinum (ram's head lady's slipper)
Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens (greater yellow lady's slipper)
Cypripedium reginae (showy lady's slipper)
More Propagation Questions
Transplanting Mexican bonebract in Floresville, TX
November 12, 2008 - My kids and I finally identified a small plant that we found growing in our pasture. There was only one and it is lovely. It is the Mexican Bonebract. What I am interested in finding out is how to tra...
view the full question and answer
Rooting cuttings in water from Rifle CO
July 11, 2012 - Found russian sage lavender stems from cutting. Need to find out if I can root them in water?
I also have found rose cutting; wondering if I can put them in water to root?
I have a western chokecher...
view the full question and answer
Propagation of Arisaema dracontium
May 25, 2008 - We are fortunate enough to own an 8-acre drainage next to Bull Creek preserve, and it has several stands of Green Dragon (Arisaema Dracontium) growing in it. How can we propagate this plant and share...
view the full question and answer
Propagation of evergreen sumac by cuttings from Cedar Creek TX
March 02, 2011 - I seek an ”Evergreen Sumac” propagation method by cuttings.
view the full question and answer
Smarty Plants on potted plants
May 23, 2005 - How do you know when it is time to transfer a potted plant to a bigger pot? Everytime I do this my plant dies.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |