Ghost pipe
Monotropa uniflora · Ericaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant ghost pipe: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Ghost pipe, Indian pipe
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Plant type
- Herbaceous achlorophyllous (chlorophyll-free)
- Flowering
- June to August
- Adult size
- 15 to 30 cm in height
- Growth
- Slow
- Hardiness
- Hardy down to -15 °C
- Origin
- North America, temperate Asia
Care
Light and location
Monotropa uniflora prefers partial to full shade, in dense woodland understory. This plant is saprophytic and depends entirely on soil fungi for nutrition. Install it in a humid, shaded environment, near trees whose mycorrhizal network it can access.
Soil composition and preparation
Soil rich in organic matter and humus is essential. Prioritize leaf mold, well-decomposed compost, and forest soil. The soil must remain constantly moist but well-drained to prevent rot. Keep a natural litter layer around the plant.
Watering and humidity
Keep the soil moist at all times without waterlogging. Water regularly during dry periods, especially when growing. This plant benefits from high atmospheric humidity. Avoid humidity fluctuations that could compromise its mycorrhizal balance.
Fertilization
No fertilizer is necessary, and fertilizing is not recommended. Monotropa uniflora obtains all its nutrients from symbiotic soil fungi. Natural enrichment through well-aged compost is sufficient to maintain soil fertility.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is necessary. Let the plant develop naturally. After flowering, stems can be left in place to decompose and enrich the soil. Avoid any soil disturbance that could damage the mycorrhizal network.
Pests and diseases
Monotropa uniflora is rarely affected by pests or diseases when it benefits from optimal humid conditions. In cases of stagnant excess moisture, there is a risk of root rot. Ensure good drainage and sufficient air circulation around the plant.
Did you know?
Monotropa uniflora is an entirely white plant devoid of chlorophyll, which earned it the whimsical nickname 'corpse plant' in English. It does not photosynthesize and lives in obligate symbiosis with underground fungi that provide all its nutrients. This fascinating relationship makes it a remarkable example of biological adaptation and mycorrhizal parasitism in forest ecosystems.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- CowberryVaccinium vitis-idaea
- Cross-leaved heathErica tetralix
- Bog rosemaryAndromeda polifolia
- BearberryArctostaphylos uva-ursi
- Strawberry treeArbutus unedo
- Tree HeathErica arborea
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.