Plant Shop Takes Bold Steps to Clone the Elusive Ghost Orchid, a Rare and Endangered Treasure

by Anna

Detroit Team Aims to Clone Rare Ghost Orchid.

Jocelyn Ho and her team at the Rare Plant Fairy in Detroit are dedicated to caring for thousands of exotic plants. Their current project focuses on cloning a rare flowering plant known as the ghost orchid.

“This is the one we won an award for. We named it the Philodendron Belle Isle,” Ho explained, highlighting the nearly extinct species.

According to lab director Deb Sweeney, “We’ve been working on these ghost orchids for about two years.”

Ho noted the plant’s popularity in pop culture. “It’s a plant that is very well known,” she said.

Ghost orchids, recognized for their delicate white flowers, have inspired numerous books and films. They are native to the Everglades, attracting visitors from around the globe who seek to find one.

To clone the ghost orchids, Sweeney places pieces of the plant into a nutrient-rich substance called synthetic media. After several years, these pieces develop into baby roots.

Ho mentioned that the baby roots now need to be “hardened out” before being planted in soil. Under specific conditions, she expects the cloned ghost orchids to bloom in the lab within a few years.

“Humans have caused a lot of harm in the world,” Ho said. “This is my little way of trying to help.”

For plant enthusiasts, Ho added that their potted ghost orchids will likely be available for sale in about a year.

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