Limodorum abortivum

Also known as: The Crippled Limodorum or Serapias abortiva Orchis abortiva Limodorum abortivum var. viridis Limodorum abortivum var. abortivum Limodorum abortivum ssp. mezekii Limodorum brulloi Limodorum trabutianum var. brulloi Limodorum abortivum var. rubrum Centrosis abortiva Limodorum trabutianum var. thracum Limodorum generale Jonorchis abortiva Limodorum abortivum f. sphaerolabium Limodorum abortivum var. sphaerolabium Limodorum trabutianum ssp. thracum Limodorum abortivum ssp. gracile Limodorum trabutianum ssp. brulloi Limodorum sphaerolabium Limodorum sphaerochilos Epipactis abortiva Limodorum abortivum var. anatolicum Limodorum abortivum f. brevicornu Limodorum abortivum var. abbreviatum Limodorum abortivum f. brulloi Limodorum abortivum f. thracum Lequeetia violacea Limodorum abortivum f. gracile Limodorum abortivum var. gracile in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Algeria Austria Belgium Bulgaria Corsica - France Cyprus Germany Greece Hungary Iraq Israel Jordan Lebanon Portugal Romania Sardinia - Italy Sicily - Italy Spain Switzerland Tunisia Turkey

General Information

The Crippled Limodorum is a cold to cool growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Portugal, Romania, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Turkey. The name refers to the partially opening flower.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous erect 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.