Ophrys ferrum-equinum

Also known as: The Horseshoe Ophyrs or Ophrys spruneri f. micrantha Ophrys x moreana ssp. dornheckeri Ophrys spruneri ssp. gottfriediana Ophrys spruneri f. pseudoferrum-equinum Ophrys mavromata Ophrys ferrum-equinum var. gottfriediana Ophrys ferrum-equinum var. minor Ophrys ferrum-equinum var. anafiensis Ophrys ferrum-equinum ssp. gottfriediana Ophrys ferrum-equinum f. subtriloba Ophrys gottfriediana Ophrys ferrum-equinum f. parnassica Ophrys lesbis var. mandalyana Ophrys ferrum-equinum var. labiosa Ophrys ferrum-equinum f. cruciata Ophrys andracnitis Ophrys mammosa f. parnassica Ophrys ferrum-equinum f. convexa Ophrys corinthiaca Ophrys argolica ssp. mandalyana Ophrys ferrum-equinum f. minor Ophrys ferrum-equinum var. pseudogottfriediana Ophrys ferrum-equinum f. labiosa Ophrys ferrum-equinum f. gibbifera Ophrys ferrum-equinum ssp. convexa Ophrys ferrum-equinum ssp. mandalyana Ophrys ferrum-equinum f. integerrima Ophrys ferrum-equinum ssp. labiosa Ophrys labiosa Ophrys ferrum-equinum f. anafiensis Ophrys lesbis f. mandalyana Ophrys aranifera ssp. parnassica Ophrys ferrum-equinum ssp. ferrum-equinum in the subfamily: Orchidoideae

Native to: Crete - Greece Turkey

General Information

The Horseshoe Ophyrs is a cold to cool growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Orchidoideae native to Greece and Turkey.

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.