Ophrys insectifera

Also known as: The Insect Bearing Ophyrs or Ophrys subinsectifera Ophrys muscifera f. subbombifera Ophrys muscifera f. rotundata Ophrys muscifera f. parviflora Ophrys muscifera f. longibracteata Ophrys x tytecana Ophrys muscifera f. dubia Ophrys muscifera f. virescens Ophrys muscifera f. ochroleuca Ophrys muscifera f. apiculata Ophrys muscifera var. apiculata Ophrys muscifera f. viridiflora Ophrys insectifera h.v. aranifera Orchis myodes h.v. galea et alis Orchis myodes h.v. prima Orchis myodes h.v. minor Orchis myodes h.f. lutea Orchis myodes h.v. altera Orchis myodes h.f. luteus Ophrys muscifera var. bombifera Orchis myodes h.v. galea Ophrys tytecana Ophrys insectifera ssp. insectifera Ophrys insectifera ssp. aymoninii Ophrys muscifera Malaxis myodes Epipactis myodes Arachnites musciflorus Ophrys aymoninii Ophrys insectifera var. luteomarginata Ophrys insectifera lusus ochroleuca Ophrys ambusta Ophrys insectifera var. myodes Ophrys insectifera f. luteomarginata Ophrys insectifera f. longibracteata Orchis muscifera Ophrys insectifera f. parviflora Orchis musciflora Orchis myodes Ophrys insectifera f. apiculata Orchis muscaria Ophrys insectifera nothossp. tytecaeana Ophrys insectifera f. dubia Ophrys insectifera lusus viridiflora Ophrys insectifera lusus virescens Ophrys insectifera ssp. myodes Ophrys insectifera ssp. subinsectifera Ophrys insectifera f. bombifera Ophrys insectifera f. rotundata Ophrys insectifera f. subbombifera The Fly Orchid in the subfamily: Orchidoideae

Native to: Austria Belarus Belgium Corsica - France Denmark Finland Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Netherlands Norway Poland Romania Sardinia - Italy Spain Sweden Switzerland Ukraine

General Information

The Insect Bearing Ophyrs is a medium sized cold growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Orchidoideae native to Austria, Belarus, Belgium, France, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Ukraine.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous lance shaped 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.

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.