The Ball State Orchid House - a fascinating tour of orchid life

The orchid roots hanging down into the open air

I admit, I've been to green houses before, and I didn't think they were anything special.  But this time, we went with a guide to the Orchid Greenhouse at Ball State University.  What a fascinating experience!  Ball State has the largest orchid collection (variety) of any university in the country - all right here in Indiana.

Lobster Claw Orchid

First, we learned that orchids are not grown in soil. Their roots gather everything they need from the air.  Who knew! Before our visit, I thought that all orchids looked roughly alike, but that couldn't be more false!  We saw orchids or all shapes and sizes.  Some were so tiny that we could barely see the flowers while others were very large.  Some orchids that we saw looked like lobster claws.

Lady Slipper Orchid

Some were had the coloration of a bee to attract bees to them (thinking they could mate) to help spread their pollen. One has a long and very narrow part to hold the nectar, ensuring that an insect would have to be there quite awhile to get to it (gathering more pollen). Fascinatingly, there is a moth with an especially long mouth that seems perfectly matched to this orchid!  Some were shaped like a lady's slippers, some like birds. So many colors and designs!

Pitcher Plant

While at the Orchid Greenhouse, we also saw carnivorous flowers including the Venus flytrap, but also including the unique pitcher plant, which collects water to attract insects, trapping them inside as the water mixes with the enzyme produced by the plant to break down their prey.   We also learned quite a bit about ferns and how they reproduce since they do not produce flowers (spores on the underside of the leaves rather than seeds). 

Our excellent guide

We had a great tour exploring the fascinating diversity of the plant world. We are looking forward to going back regularly to see what is in bloom.





 Details:
Wheeler-Thanhauser Orchid Collection and Species Bank
Field Station and Environmental Education Center
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306

765-285-8839
bsu.edu/academics/centersandinstitutes/fseec/properties/christywoods/greenhouses/orchidgreenhouse

Hours: M-F 7:30-4:30, Saturday 10:00-3:00. Assistance from the curator available Monday-Friday by arrangement.