Dactylorhiza alpestris

Also known as: The Alpine Dactylorhiza or Orchis latifolia var. aggregata Orchis latifolia var. robusta Orchis latifolia f. pinguis Orchis latifolia f. pumila Orchis latifolia var. macrantha Dactylorhiza majalis var. pumila Dactylorhiza latifolia var. pinguis Dactylorhiza latifolia var. pumila Dactylorhiza majalis ssp. alpestris Dactylorhiza fistulosa ssp. alpestris Dactylorhiza majalis var. alpestris Dactylorhiza latifolia ssp. alpestris in the subfamily: Orchidoideae

Native to: Austria France Germany Italy Spain Switzerland

General Information

The Alpine Dactylorhiza is a cold to cool growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Orchidoideae native to Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous erect elliptic, oblong shaped leaves

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Summer and Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring
• Summer

Care Notes

These orchids grow on the forest floor so are used to rich soil containing plenty of organic matter that is always moist (but not always wet), and prefer constant conditions in terms of humidity, temperature and water supply. They may not be as forgiving as epiphytes in regards to sudden changes in growing conditions so it is wise to ease them into new conditions over a the space of a few days, and repot as infrequently as possible.

Keep an eye on the plants condition regularly as they can decline suddenly if the conditions are not just right. It is more important to keep water supply constant rather than frequent - overwatering often causes rot which can quickly set in, especially in warmer conditions.

These can be grown in shady, moist areas in the garden, supplied they have protection from abrupt changes caused by the elements, e.g. dry winds, frost etc. Being grown around companion plants such as ferns and bromeliads will help build and retain the humidity they require throughout the year.

Climate

Grows at high elevations.

Fertiliser

These plants do well with slow release fertiliser at the rate of 2-3 pellets per cup (250ml) of media. Additional fertiliser during the growth period may be beneficial, but not necessary.

Potting

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.

This plant does well mounted.