- The right location for orchids in the garden
- How to properly plant orchids
- Proper care for orchids
- Watch out for snail infestation
Orchids are considered to be flowers that require a lot of care and therefore belong in the hands of gardening experts. However, there are a few native orchid species that can even be grown in the garden. In addition to the lady's slipper, orchids can be planted outdoors without much care.
Orchid grows best in the sun
The right location for orchids in the garden
- Full sun to part shade
- likes wet
- slightly acidic substrate
Most orchid species prefer a full sun location with slightly moist soil. They are well suited for planting at the edges of ponds, but also feel very comfortable in natural meadows. They prefer to grow near other native orchids.
Ensure sufficient planting distance to other, strong-growing plants. Otherwise, the delicate orchids will quickly become overgrown.
How to properly plant orchids
Prepare the soil by loosening it well and improving it with rotted wood chips. Peat is also well tolerated, but should not be used for ecological reasons.
Dig a planting hole about 20 centimeters deep. The orchid bud should be covered with two centimeters of soil.
Proper care for orchids
Orchid in the garden needs sufficient moisture. Keep the soil well moist. Avoid watering the plants from above.
During the growth phase, give the orchid fertilizer every two to three weeks. You must not fertilize too much, since orchids rot quickly if the soil is too nutritious.
Keep the space around the orchid free of wild herbs and other plants so that the orchids are not overgrown.
Watch out for snail infestation
Orchid is hardly attacked by pests. Only snails also like the leaf rosettes and the delicate flowers. If necessary, create a snail barrier.
In the wild, orchid is under protection because it is threatened with extinction. It is therefore forbidden to dig up or pick the plant. Always buy native orchids for the garden from garden retailers.
tips
The two most common orchid species are Orchis and Dactylorhiza. Most Orchis species wither in summer and sprout a new rosette in autumn. Dactylorhiza, on the other hand, withers itself in autumn and sprout again in spring.