Ophrys argolica

Also known as: The Light Ophrys or Ophrys olympiotissa Ophrys argolica h.f. alba Ophrys argolica ssp. climacis Ophrys argolica ssp. crabronifera Ophrys argolica ssp. elegans Ophrys icariensis Ophrys lesbis Ophrys pollinensis Ophrys elegans Ophrys aegaea Ophrys crabronifera Ophrys lucis Ophrys biscutella Ophrys x climacis Ophrys ferrum-equinum ssp. argolica Ophrys gottfriediana ssp. elegans Ophrys argolica ssp. pollinensis Ophrys ferrum-equinum ssp. aegaea Ophrys crabronifera ssp. pollinensis Ophrys atargatis Ophrys aegaea ssp. lucis Ophrys lesbis f. atargatis Ophrys ferrum-equinum f. fallax Ophrys argolica ssp. atargatis Ophrys ferrum-equinum ssp. lucis Ophrys fuciflora ssp. pollinensis Ophrys ferrum-equinum ssp. climacis Ophrys crabronifera ssp. biscutella Ophrys crabronifera ssp. virescens Ophrys argolica ssp. aegaea Ophrys exaltata var. virescens Ophrys holoserica ssp. pollinensis Ophrys ferrum-equinum ssp. lesbis Ophrys argolica ssp. lucis Ophrys exaltata ssp. sundermannii Ophrys argolica ssp. biscutella Ophrys argolica ssp. icariensis Ophrys argolica ssp. lesbis Ophrys argolica ssp. argolica in the subfamily: Orchidoideae

Native to: Greece

General Information

The Light Ophrys is a cold to cool growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Orchidoideae native to Greece. The name refers to the flower colors.

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring

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.