Dactylorhiza romana
Also known as: The Roman Dactylorhiza or Orchis romana var. incarnata Orchis pseudosambucina ssp. sicula Orchis pseudosambucina var. natalis Orchis romana lusus sulphurea Orchis pseudosambucina ssp. markusii Orchis pseudosambucina Orchis romana lusus bicolor Orchis romana lusus flavescens Orchis romana ssp. georgica Orchis fasciculata var. obtusifolia Orchis romana var. guimaraesii Orchis romana ssp. libanotica Orchis romana var. lutea Orchis romana f. markusii Orchis romana f. obtusifolia Orchis romana lusus tenuifolia Orchis sulphurea var. markusii Orchis sicula Orchis siciliensis Orchis sambucina var. zimmermannii Orchis romana var. georgica Orchis mediterranea ssp. pseudosambucina Orchis markusii Orchis mediterranea ssp. georgica Orchis flavescens Orchis georgica Orchis guimaraesii Orchis lucana Orchis mediterranea ssp. siciliensis Dactylorhiza sambucina ssp. siciliensis Dactylorhiza romana ssp. siciliensis Dactylorhiza sicula Dactylorhiza ruprechtii Dactylorhiza sambucina ssp. pseudosambucina Dactylorhiza romana var. sicula Dactylorhiza sambucina f. zimmermannii Dactylorhiza romana var. markusii Dactylorhiza sambucina ssp. georgica Dactylorhiza sambucina ssp. romana Dactylorhiza romana ssp. markusii Dactylorhiza romana ssp. libanotica Dactylorhiza romana ssp. guimaraesii Dactylorhiza romana ssp. georgica Dactylorhiza sulphurea ssp. georgica Dactylorhiza romana ssp. romana Dactylorhiza guimaraesii Dactylorhiza sulphurea ssp. siciliensis Dactylorhiza sulphurea ssp. pseudosambucina Dactylorchis flavescens Dactylorhiza markusii Dactylorhiza flavescens Dactylorhiza libanotica Dactylorhiza sulphurea Orchis natalis in the subfamily: Orchidoideae
General Information
The Roman Dactylorhiza is a small to medium sized cool to warm 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.
