Spiked Coral Root Orchid Plant Care
Hexalectris spicata (Walter) Barnhart
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Hexalectris spicata, the spiked crested coralroot, is a terrestrial, myco-heterotrophic orchid lacking chlorophyll and subsisting entirely on nutrients obtained from mycorrhizal fungi in the soil. It is native to Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Coahuila.
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
At a glance
How do you care for Spiked Coral Root Orchid?
Spiked Coral Root Orchid grows best in filtered sunlight or partial shade.
Where Is the Spiked Coral Root Orchid Native To?
What Is the Spiked Coral Root Orchid?
Spiked Coral Root Orchid (Hexalectris spicata) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Hexalectris genus. Spiked Coral Root Orchid is native to Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Coahuila. Spiked Coral Root Orchid is also known as Crested Coral Root Orchid.
Spiked Coral Root Orchid displays a terrestrial orchid with single stem growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Spiked Coral Root Orchid produces unique, intricate flowers with intricate patterns.
What Light Does the Spiked Coral Root Orchid Need?
Spiked Coral Root Orchid thrives in filtered sunlight or partial shade. Avoid placing Spiked Coral Root Orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Spiked Coral Root Orchid?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark and sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential for Spiked Coral Root Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Spiked Coral Root Orchid?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Spiked Coral Root Orchid?
Spiked Coral Root Orchid can be propagated through division, seed sowing. Similar propagation techniques also apply to arizona coralroot plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Spiked Coral Root Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spiked Coral Root Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Spiked Coral Root Orchid?
Spiked Coral Root Orchid is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Spiked Coral Root Orchid is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Hexalectris genus — compare its care with other Hexalectris species on PlantoScan.
Hexalectris is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Spiked Coral Root Orchid produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hexalectris spicata (Walter) Barnhart, family Orchidaceae (first published in Torreya 1904: 121 (1904)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spiked Coral Root Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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