Platanthera chlorantha
Also known as: The Green Patanthera or Platanthera montana var. gselliana Platanthera chlorantha f. grandiflora Platanthera chlorantha var. angustata Orchis montana Orchis bifolia var. elatior Platanthera chlorantha f. bracteata Platanthera virescens Platanthera chlorantha var. montana Orchis bifolia var. macroglossa Platanthera chlorantha var. grandiflora Platanthera bifolia ssp. chlorantha Platanthera bifolia var. montana Platanthera chlorantha var. robusta Platanthera chlorantha h.v. tricalcarata Platanthera lesbiaca Platanthera chlorantha var. gselliana Platanthera montana ssp. holmboei Platanthera chlorantha ssp. holmboei Platanthera montana Pseudanthera breadalbanensis Platanthera holmboei Habenaria virescens in the subfamily: Orchidoideae
Native to: Austria Belgium Bulgaria China Cyprus Denmark France Germany Greece Hungary Iraq Ireland Israel Japan Lebanon Morocco Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Sardinia - Italy Sicily - Italy Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey
General Information
The Green Patanthera is a medium sized cold to cool growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Orchidoideae native to Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey.
Plant Description
Each new growth has numerous erect elliptic, lance shaped, oblong shaped leaves
Flowers
Numerous fragrant blossoms appear during Summer and Spring
Fragrance
The orchid is fragrant.
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.
Fragrant:- IsFragrant
Climate
These orchids grow in cool climates, at low altitudes, in cool plains, forests or coastal scrub.
They are forgiving of humidity variances as long as temperatures are kept on the cool side. They can do well outdoors in the garden in cool and temperate areas, though it is important that they are protected from warm dry winds. They can enjoy morning sun especially in winter but will need protection from the hot sun in the afternoon and during summer. With some acclimatisation they may be able to receive more sun.
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.
