Orchidaceae
Maroonhood: Pet-Safe Plant
Pterostylis pedunculata
Requires a distinct dry summer dormancy period and consistent moisture during the winter growing season. Best grown in a specialized orchid mix with high humidity and dappled light.
Every 4 days
Partial shade
5° - 25°C
60% - 90%
Categories
What is Maroonhood?
Maroonhood (Pterostylis pedunculata) is a medium-care plant from the Orchidaceae family. Pterostylis pedunculata, commonly known as the Maroonhood, is a terrestrial orchid endemic to southeastern Australia. It features a rosette of dark green, ovate leaves and a single, upright flower stem bearing a distinctive hooded flower. The flower is translucent white with prominent reddish-brown...
Maroonhood grows up to 25cm, spread of 10cm, watering every 4 days, 5°C â 25°C, 60â90% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Maroonhood is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 8 days.
How to Care for Maroonhood?
TLDR: Maroonhood needs Partial shade, watering every 4 days, and temperatures between 5-25°C with 60-90% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Maroonhood?
Keep the soil consistently moist from autumn through spring, but stop watering entirely once the leaves turn yellow in early summer.
How Much Light Does Maroonhood Need?
Provide bright, filtered light similar to a forest floor; avoid direct midday sun which can scorch the delicate hood.
What Is the Best Soil for Maroonhood?
Use a terrestrial orchid mix consisting of 40% organic matter (leaf mold), 40% coarse sand, and 20% perlite.
What Pot Should You Use for Maroonhood?
Terracotta or plastic orchid pots with extra drainage holes, using a mix of fine bark, sand, and leaf mold.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Misting
Every 2 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Maroonhood and Where Does It Come From?
Pterostylis pedunculata, commonly known as the Maroonhood, is a terrestrial orchid endemic to southeastern Australia. It features a rosette of dark green, ovate leaves and a single, upright flower stem bearing a distinctive hooded flower. The flower is translucent white with prominent reddish-brown or maroon markings, particularly on the hood (galea) and the tips of the sepals.
How to Propagate Maroonhood?
Tuberoid Division
- Ensure the medium remains dry during the summer dormancy to prevent tuber rot.
- Mark the pot so you don't forget where the dormant tubers are located.
- 1 Locate Dormant Tubers
Once the foliage has completely died back in summer, carefully sift through the dry potting medium to find the small, pea-like tubers.
- 2 Separate Offsets
Gently detach the newly formed daughter tubers from the parent tuber.
- 3 Replant
Store in a cool, dry place or replant immediately into fresh, slightly damp orchid mix at a depth of 2-3 cm.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Maroonhood Grow?
TLDR: Maroonhood can reach up to 25cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
25cm
Spread
10cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
In Australian floral lore, it represents hidden beauty and protection due to its hooded structure.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | â ïļ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â ïļ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | â ïļ |
