Wild Coco: Florida’s Elusive Native Orchid
If you’re a gardener who loves a challenge and has a soft spot for native orchids, let me introduce you to wild coco (Eulophia alta). This fascinating perennial orchid is one of Florida’s lesser-known native treasures, and while it won’t be winning any easiest plant to grow awards anytime soon, it’s absolutely worth knowing about.
What is Wild Coco?
Wild coco is a terrestrial orchid that grows as a forb – essentially a non-woody perennial plant that dies back to ground level but returns year after year. Unlike the flashy tropical orchids you might see at the garden center, wild coco is more of a subtle beauty, producing spikes of small, yellowish-green to brown flowers that have that distinctive orchid charm when you look closely.
Where Does Wild Coco Call Home?
This native beauty is found naturally in Florida and Puerto Rico, making it a true regional specialty. In the United States, you’ll only encounter it in the Sunshine State, where it’s perfectly adapted to the local climate and growing conditions.
The Wetland Connection
Here’s where things get interesting – wild coco is classified as a facultative wetland plant in both the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain regions and the Caribbean. This means it usually hangs out in wetlands but can occasionally be found in drier spots. Think of it as a plant that really loves its feet wet but isn’t completely opposed to drying out now and then.
Should You Grow Wild Coco?
Let’s be honest here – growing wild coco is not for the faint of heart or the casual gardener. This orchid is notoriously difficult to cultivate because, like most native orchids, it has very specific needs including:
- Specialized mycorrhizal fungi that help it absorb nutrients
- Specific soil conditions and moisture levels
- The right balance of light and shade
- Patience – lots and lots of patience
Growing Conditions
If you’re determined to try (and I admire your ambition!), wild coco thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. It prefers:
- Moist to wet soils with good organic content
- Partial shade to filtered light
- High humidity
- Protection from strong winds
Garden Design Ideas
Wild coco isn’t your typical border plant or centerpiece specimen. Instead, it’s perfect for:
- Specialized native plant gardens
- Wetland restoration projects
- Naturalistic landscapes that mimic Florida’s natural ecosystems
- Orchid enthusiast collections (for the truly dedicated)
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While wild coco may not be a major nectar source like some showier natives, orchids typically have specialized relationships with specific pollinators. These intricate partnerships are part of what makes native ecosystems so fascinating and interconnected.
The Bottom Line
Wild coco is one of those plants that’s more likely to find you than the other way around. If you’re lucky enough to have it growing naturally on your property, consider yourself blessed and do everything you can to protect its habitat. For most gardeners, appreciating this beautiful native orchid in its natural wetland settings might be the best way to enjoy it.
That said, if you’re an experienced orchid grower looking for a new challenge and you live in Florida, wild coco could be an incredibly rewarding addition to a specialized native garden. Just remember – this is definitely graduate-level gardening, so start with easier natives and work your way up to this stunning but demanding beauty.
