I Have Bee Orchids In My Garden How Do I Encourage Them To Seed Year After Year

Question

Do I scarify the ground when they die off

Answer 1

Lucky you! Here are instructions on how to care for them, such as "avoid fertilizing them." They can be self-pollinating but the bees will likely visit. Watch for a seed pod to form. The article below says once the seed disperses, to complete germination, there must be interaction with mycorrhizal fungi. I don't find any mention of scarifying the ground.

These articles should help:

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP521

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/mycorrhizae/

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/bee-orchid-flower.htm

https://serc.si.edu/sites/default/files/orchid_life_cycle.pdf

https://decodingscience.missouri.edu/tag/germination/