Ophrys tenthredinifera

Also known as: The Leaf or Ophrys riphaea Ophrys tenthredinifera ssp. sanctae-marcellae Ophrys tenthredinifera ssp. neglecta Ophrys spectabilis Ophrys tenthredinifera ssp. ulyssea Ophrys ulyssea Ophrys tetuanensis Ophrys villosa var. sanctae-marcellae Ophrys tenthredinifera var. glabrescens Ophrys tenthredinifera ssp. villosa Ophrys tenthredinifera subvar. davei Ophrys tenthredinifera ssp. ficalhoana Ophrys tenthredinifera f. ficalhoana Ophrys tenthredinifera var. guimaraesii Ophrys tenthredinifera ssp. guimaraesii Ophrys tenthredinifera ssp. leochroma Ophrys tenthredinifera var. lutescens Ophrys villosa Ophrys tenthredinifera f. lutescens Ophrys tenthredinifera ssp. dictynnae Ophrys tenthredinifera ssp. tingurtiae Ophrys tenthredinifera ssp. aprilia Ophrys tenthredinifera var. ficalhoana Ophrys tenthredinifera f. choffatii Ophrys tenthredinifera subvar. choffatii Ophrys tenthredinifera f. praecox Ophrys tenthredinifera ssp. praecox Ophrys tenthredinifera subvar. praecox Ophrys tenthredinifera f. serotina Ophrys tenthredinifera subvar. serotina Ophrys tenoreana Ophrys tenthredinifera ssp. spectabilis Ophrys tenthredinifera ssp. grandiflora Ophrys tenthredinifera f. davei Ophrys x maremmae nothossp. normanii Ophrys neglecta Ophrys lychnitis Ophrys lycomedis Ophrys neglecta var. riphaea Ophrys normanii Ophrys tenthredinifera h.v. minor Ophrys sini-leonis Ophrys aprilia Ophrys rosea Arachnites limbatus Arachnites tenthredinifer Ophrys dictynnae Ophrys di-stefani Ophrys ficalhoana Ophrys leochroma Ophrys korae Ophrys hookeri Ophrys grandiflora Ophrys amphidami Ophrys leochroma var. sanctae-marcellae Ophrys limbata Ophrys insectifera var. rosea The Sawfly Orchid in France Ophrys guepe in Germany Wespen-ragwurz in the subfamily: Orchidoideae

Native to: Algeria Corsica - France Cyprus Greece Libya Portugal Sardinia - Italy Sicily - Italy Spain Tunisia Turkey

General Information

The Leaf is a miniature to medium sized cold to cool growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Orchidoideae native to Algeria, France, Cyprus, Greece, Libya, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Winter and Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring
• Winter

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.