Mediterranean Orchid Culture Notes
(Ophrys, Orchis, Serapias and others)
By Alan Dash
e:mail: adash@orchidsbypost.co.uk
Below is a basic, general guide in the form of culture notes. For more details please refer to the following texts:
- Hardy Orchids P Cribb & C Bailes Timber Press (may currently be out of print)
- Alpine Garden Society Bulletin 57(2) June 1989 The Cultivation of European Tuberous Orchids Dr T Norman
- The Hardy Orchid Society Quarterly Newsletters
Compost
Soil based compost 'opened up' by the inclusion of 50% to 66% horticultural grit. Other additions of leaf mould, dolomitic limestone may be of use to some species.
Potting up
Large plant pots are useful to create the stable conditions that the roots will benefit from. Plant the tuber 1 to 3 inches below the surface. Just cover with compost and add 1 to 3 inches of grit on the top to prevent collar rot during the growing season.
Culture
Pot up in July September. No need to water until the shoot appears at surface level and begins to form a rosette. Carefully water (trying to avoid splashing the foliage) to keep the compost just moist during the winter. During cold periods this may mean watering less than once a month!
Some species are hardy but in general it is best to keep them just frost free (min. 1 deg. C) Give the leaves as much of our British winter light as possible (perhaps shade from April onwards). Stop watering as the leaves yellow and fade (March May depending on species). Completely dry throughout summer and repot July September annually.