In order to find the most effective way to propagate native plants, each participating classroom will get native orchid seedlings that they will grow, observe, and collect data on. Students will look at how plants best flourish in various conditions: grow in different environments (i.e., different fertilizer types), relationships between pollinators (which pollinators are most attracted to the plants), microbial symbiotic relationships (how microbes aid or hinder plant growth), and best ways for relocating plants from indoors to outdoors. The students are partners with SERC scientists, aiming to improve our understanding of native orchids and propagation conservation efforts. The students’ work helps to expand data collection and study range and ultimately improve the long-term conservation of native plants.

By undergoing these processes, we will ultimately better under the best practices needed for optimum growth of these native plants and ultimately enable scientists to implement better conservation practices. 

Spring 2024

Students in Washington, D.C., and Maryland focused on how different combinations of soil and microbes impact plant survivorship and growth for the Grass Pink Slipper (Calopogon tuberosa), a native and endangered orchid species. Each classroom planted 32 orchids and then collected data on their growth and survival to find out what type of soil and fungus is best. Each class was assigned one of two types of fungi, and then the students tested four treatments: simple soil with fungus, simple soil without fungus, complex soil with fungus, complex soil without fungus. 

Spring 2025

Students in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, Minnesota, and Alaska again focused on how different combinations of soil and microbes impact plant survivorship and growth. Students in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, and Minnesota grew orchids with different types of fungus and soil types and students in Alaska grew orchids with different types of agar (gel substance) in test tubes. Just as in 2024, each classroom studied 32 orchids, split into four treatments.

Species studied were native to their respective region:

• Alaska: Hooded Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes romanzoffiana) and Bog Candle (Platanthera dilatata)
• Delaware: Spiranthes bightensis
• Maryland/Washington D.C.: Tuberous Grass Pink (Calopogon tuberosus)
• Minnesota: Slender Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes lacera)

To learn more about each of these study species, check out our the North American Orchid Conservation Center's online database.