Epipactis palustris

Also known as: The Swamp Epipactis or Serapias helleborine var. palustris Serapias longiflora Helleborine palustris f. ampla Helleborine palustris f. ericetorum Epipactis palustris f. ochroleuca Epipactis palustris var. ochroleuca Arthrochilium palustre Cymbidium palustre Calliphyllon palustre Helleborine palustris lusus purpurea Epipactis palustris lusus albiflora Epipactis palustris f. silvatica Helleborine palustris f. rectilinguis Epipactis palustris var. albiflora Epipactis palustris f. submersa Helleborine palustris lusus tricolor Epipactis palustris lusus violacea Helleborine palustris f. gracilis Helleborine palustris var. ericetorum Helleborine palustris lusus violacea Helleborine palustris lusus albiflora Epipactis palustris lusus tricolor Epipactis palustris f. longibracteata Epipactis palustris var. parvifolia Helleborine palustris f. silvatica Epipactis palustris f. pumila Epipactis palustris f. rectilinguis Limodorum palustre Epipactis palustris var. robusta Epipactis salina Helleborine palustris f. submersa Epipactis palustris f. robusta Epipactis palustris var. elatior Epipactis palustris f. macrostachya Epipactis palustris f. albiflora Epipactis palustris f. gracilis Epipactis palustris f. ericetorum Epipactis palustris var. silvatica Epipactis palustris var. ericetorum Helleborine palustris f. longibracteata Epipactis palustris f. elongata Helleborine palustris lusus ochroleuca Epipactis palustris lusus ochroleuca Epipactis palustris f. ampla Helleborine palustris f. parvifolia Epipactis palustris ssp. salina The Marsh Helleborine in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Austria Belgium Bulgaria China Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Ireland Mongolia Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey Uzbekistan

General Information

The Swamp Epipactis is a small cold to cool growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Mongolia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous lance shaped oblong shaped leaves. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

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 low to 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.