Orchis italica

Also known as: The Italian Orchis or Orchis undulatifolia Orchis simia var. undulatifolia Orchis welwitschii Orchis italica f. breviloba Orchiaceras welwitschii Orchis italica f. albiflora Orchiaceras bivonae nothovar. welwitschii Orchis purpurea var. stenoloba Orchis purpurea ssp. stenoloba Orchis tephrosanthos var. undulatifolia Orchis longicruris Orchis fusca var. stenoloba Orchis longicruris ssp. longipenis Orchis italica lusus maculata Orchis italica var. fontinalis Orchis italica lusus sepalinus in the subfamily: Orchidoideae

Native to: Italy Portugal

General Information

The Italian Orchis is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Orchidoideae native to Italy and Portugal.

Plant Description

Grows to 2-50cm. Each new growth has numerous thick erect leaves that grow to 1.2-13cm long

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Winter and Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring
• Winter

Climate

Grows at high elevations.

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.