Dactylorhiza praetermissa
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Dactylorhiza praetermissa

Southern Marsh-orchid · Keyflower · European spotted orchid · Hybrid orchid Southern Marsh Orchid x Common Spotted Orchid x Common Spotted Orchid · Lääne-Sõrmkäpp

Tier 2 Difficulty: hard Water: high Light: partial_sun
Temperature
10–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 6–9
Click count
72
Observations
10

Description

Source: leafsnap

Dactylorhiza praetermissa, the southern marsh orchid or leopard marsh orchid, is a commonly occurring species of European orchid.

Care Guide

💧 Water

The Southern Marsh Orchid, which originates in damp meadows, thrives in consistently moist conditions but can tolerate brief periods of dryness. To ensure optimal hydration, it needs to be watered weekly. As an herbaceous perennial, this orchid requires sufficient moisture during its active growing season to promote lush flowering.

☀️ Light Partial sun

The Southern marsh orchid occurs naturally in habitats like forest understories and rocky sites, where it is exposed to natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate both full sun and full shade, showing its hardy and adaptable character.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 10–35°C

Southern marsh orchid comes from temperate regions and prefers temperatures between 50 and 95 °F (10 to 35 ℃). Seasonal adjustments are required, keeping the plant cooler in winter and warmer in summer.

Ideal temperature: 10–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize a Southern marsh orchid is in early spring, when it is coming out of dormancy and beginning active growth. Fertilization supplies essential nutrients for healthy development. Although the Southern marsh orchid has relatively low fertilizer requirements, annual feeding can improve its survival and encourage better, longer-lasting flowers.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

The Southern Marsh Orchid flourishes when properly pruned. To maintain its health, cut back old flower stems in early spring and remove any damaged leaves as they appear. Regular deadheading not only enhances blooming but also improves the plant's overall health. Pruning at the right times encourages growth and helps prevent disease. For more detailed care tips, consult horticultural guides.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Dactylorhiza
Family
Orchidaceae
Hardiness Zone
6-9
Mature Height
61 cm
Mature Spread
61 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Purple, Lavender
Flower Size
1.52 cm to 2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall

Tags (5)

Common Names (5)

en Southern Marsh-orchid
en Keyflower
en European spotted orchid
en Hybrid orchid Southern Marsh Orchid x Common Spotted Orchid x Common Spotted Orchid
en Lääne-Sõrmkäpp