Dactylorhiza praetermissa

Also known as: The Southern Marsh Orchid or Orchis pardalina Orchis incarnata var. integrata Orchis integrata Orchis latifolia var. junialis Orchis praetermissa var. albiflora Orchis elatior Orchis praetermissa var. macrantha Orchis incarnata ssp. integrata Orchis praetermissa f. macrantha Orchis latifolia ssp. elatior Orchis praetermissa ssp. junialis Orchis praetermissa ssp. integrata Orchis angustifolia var. elata Orchis incarnata var. albiflora Dactylorhiza osiliensis Dactylorhiza praetermissa f. junialis Dactylorhiza praetermissa var. integrata Dactylorhiza majalis var. praetermissa Dactylorhiza majalis ssp. praetermissa Dactylorhiza praetermissa ssp. osiliensis Dactylorhiza praetermissa ssp. integrata Dactylorhiza pardalina Dactylorhiza praetermissa var. maculosa Dactylorhiza majalis ssp. integrata Dactylorchis praetermissa var. longifolia Dactylorchis praetermissa var. junialis Dactylorchis praetermissa var. parvifructa Dactylorhiza majalis ssp. elatior Dactylorhiza majalis var. integrata Dactylorchis praetermissa var. tenera Dactylorchis praetermissa var. triangularis Dactylorhiza praetermissa ssp. praetermissa Dactylorhiza praetermissa var. junialis Dactylorhiza praetermissa h.v. praetermissa Dactylorhiza ruthei ssp. osiliensis Dactylorchis praetermissa var. elata Dactylorhiza praetermissa var. elata Dactylorhiza praetermissa var. cuspidata Dactylorchis praetermissa var. macrantha Dactylorhiza praetermissa ssp. junialis Dactylorchis praetermissa var. cuspidata Dactylorhiza praetermissa ssp. schoenophila Dactylorhiza praetermissa var. bracteosa Dactylorhiza majalis var. junialis Dactylorhiza elatior Dactylorhiza integrata Dactylorhiza incarnata ssp. praetermissa Dactylorhiza majalis var. macrantha The Neglected Dactylorhiza in the subfamily: Orchidoideae

General Information

The Southern Marsh Orchid is a giant cool growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Orchidoideae.

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.

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.