All orchids demonstrate one of the closest symbiotic relationships known in the plant kingdom, and creeping ladies tresses is no exception. A symbiotic partnership means that both parties benefit from the association, without any detrimental effect to one another. Orchids have a very intimate relationship with specific fungi and in fact they cannot grow without their fungal partner. The fungus actually lives inside the root cells of the orchid and this close partnership results in a dual organism known as a mycorrhiza. Within the root the fungus is provided with an ideal growing environment, devoid of competition and it is thought that some vitamins are provided by the orchid. Part of the fungus penetrates the root wall and has contact with the surrounding soil. It can then take up nutrients, such as cellulose and other carbon compounds, and break them down to a soluble form that can be used by the orchid.
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