Orchid, lady's slipper or Stendelwurz: orchids with enchanting flowers do not necessarily have to come from distant countries. Instead, native terrestrial orchids enrich the garden diversity, and as a gardener you also make an important contribution to species conservation by cultivating these rare plants. There are around 60 different species in this country, which, in contrast to their tropical relatives, prefer to grow in the ground.

The Dactylorhiza incarnata is a terrestrial orchid native to us

Table of Contents

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  1. origin and distribution
  2. Happen
  3. life cycle
  4. protection of species
  5. appearance and growth
  6. blossoms
  7. location and soil
  8. Water terrestrial orchid
  9. Fertilize terrestrial orchids properly
  10. Cut terrestrial orchid correctly
  11. Propagating terrestrial orchid
  12. species and varieties

    13. origin and distribution

    The botanist does not understand the term "terrestrial orchid" to mean a precisely defined genus, but simply terrestrial or semi-piphytic growing orchid species. Terrestrial orchids can be found on all five continents, where they inhabit a wide variety of habitats. Although most of them are native to the tropics and subtropics, numerous species are also native to the temperate and Mediterranean climate zones - in Germany alone there are around 60 different terrestrial orchid species that are threatened with extinction and are therefore under strict nature protection.

    Happen

    Terrestrial orchids inhabit different habitats. Many species are native to swamps and bogs, others thrive in deciduous and mixed forests, in savannas, steppes and other wastelands. What they all have in common, however, is that they only colonize original habitats and are therefore never found in regions with intensive agriculture. Some species also thrive as a kind of successor to cultures by using abandoned niches - for example abandoned vineyards, gravel pits, etc. However, many terrestrial orchids can only grow where they can enter into a symbiosis with specific fungi - the plants, which are primarily found in very poor soil, depend on these for their own nutrient supply.

    life cycle

    With the exception of the tropical species, the terrestrial orchids, which come from the cool and temperate climate zones, follow certain life rhythms that must also be observed when cultivating them in the home garden. On the other hand, these species are very difficult to cultivate on the windowsill for the layman due to their very special needs. Therefore, the culture in the garden bed is recommended, for which, for example, the offspring of native species are wonderful. These grow from March / April, show - depending on the species - their flowers between April and July and then disappear again in their mostly underground storage systems, the rhizomes or tubers, in good time before the onset of winter.

    protection of species

    As a result of intensive agriculture and growing urbanization, the stock of native orchid species has been reduced to such an extent that they are rarely found in the wild. That is why all orchid species - not only those native to Germany, but also the tropical ones - are now subject to the Washington Convention on the Protection of Species. Therefore, digging up or picking plants growing in the wild is strictly forbidden and punishable with heavy fines.

    A culture of endangered terrestrial orchids in the garden makes an important contribution to the preservation of these fascinating plants. However, trading in terrestrial orchids is prohibited throughout Europe. Only plants from artificial offspring may be traded. Trustworthy traders can always provide you with a CITES (“The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora”) certificate, which states the country of origin and proof of artificial breeding. Unfortunately, there are many black sheep on the market who illegally trade in the rare plants.

    appearance and growth

    Most native orchid species grow to a maximum height of 15 centimeters and develop correspondingly small, but orchid-typical flowers. In contrast to the showy splendor of exotic species, their beauty does not immediately catch the eye, with one exception: lady's slipper orchids (bot. Cypripedium hybrids) often develop towering flower spikes with flower clusters that can contain up to twelve individual flowers. Some lady's slipper species, on the other hand, develop large individual flowers.

    Even if the numerous species differ greatly in their growth forms and the formation of their flowers, they all have some things in common:

    • the special shape and the characteristic structure of the flowers
    • These are perennial plants that can basically continue to grow indefinitely.
    • There are always storage organs, mostly rhizomes or tubers, running below or above ground.
    • Orchid seeds are usually not germinable without symbiosis fungi.
    • Orchids do not have taproots, instead the secondary roots always arise from the shoot.

    blossoms

    Terrestrial orchids form very diverse flowers. A few species develop single flowers, with most the flowers are grouped in racemose or cylindrical inflorescences. Like the plants themselves, the flowers of most terrestrial orchid species are rather inconspicuous and small. However, some varieties develop extremely attractive shapes and colors, which in many cases is due to a sophisticated survival strategy: They form sophisticated traps for insects that are supposed to pollinate the orchid flowers.

    location and soil

    Which location and which substrate terrestrial orchids prefer depends heavily on the species selected. Basically, these are divided into three groups, each of which feels comfortable in different garden locations.

    nutrient-poor meadows, nutrient-poor grassland

    Dry, nutrient-poor pastures and meadows are the ideal breeding ground for many rare plants, at least when they are not used intensively. The various orchid species (Ophrys) feel just as at home here as the pyramidal dogbane (Anacamptis pyramidalis) or the buck's strap tongue (Himantoglossum hircinum). Terrestrial orchids growing here also need a lean, dry substrate and a lot of light in the garden.

    forests

    Terrestrial orchids with low light requirements thrive in semi-natural, little-managed deciduous and mixed forests. Here you can find various species of Stellywort (Epipactis) as well as adorable species such as the long-leaved forest bird (Cephalanthera longif.webpolia), which mostly grow directly at the edge of the path or forest. If these terrestrial orchids are to be cultivated in the garden, light, partially shaded locations with humus-rich soil are recommended.

    bogs and swamps

    However, most terrestrial orchids cultivated in gardens need a moist subsoil with acidic soil, because they are at home on wet meadows or in moors. Various species of orchid (Dactylorhiza) and marsh borage (Epipactis palustris) thrive here. Creating and planting a special bog bed is ideal, especially near the garden pond or an (artificial) stream.

    Water terrestrial orchid

    Most terrestrial orchids like to stand in constantly slightly moist soil. Especially during warm and dry weather, you should check daily with your finger whether the surface of the earth is dry. If this is the case, water the orchids with soft, lukewarm water. Do not use tap water, because like all orchids, the native terrestrial orchids do not tolerate lime and would sooner or later die. Collected rainwater is best. In addition, you should never pour over the leaves and flowers, but only on the root disk. Waterlogging should be avoided unless this is specified for certain species.

    Fertilize terrestrial orchids properly

    Terrestrial orchids planted in the garden do not need any additional fertilizer as long as they flower without problems. A lack of flowering can (but doesn't have to, there are other causes) be due to a lack of nutrients. Your terrestrial orchids benefit from fertilizing with self-made comfrey manure rich in potassium, which promotes flowering and growth and strengthens the plants' defenses and winter hardiness. Apply the brew in late summer/early fall so that the nutrients can be absorbed by the underground storage organs. Then mulch the planting area with leaf compost.

    Cut terrestrial orchid correctly

    Orchids should not be cut back if possible, since their nutrient balance depends significantly on it. At the end of the growth and flowering phase, the plants draw all the remaining nutrients from the leaves and shoots and store them in their rhizomes. In the spring, the stored energy is released when the orchids sprout again. If, on the other hand, the rhizomes were not able to store enough, they ultimately lack the strength for new shoots. Therefore, you should never cut off withered flowers and shoots. Instead, wait until these can be easily plucked - this is the sign that the plant is releasing these parts. The same goes for the main stem, which you only cut off just above the ground in the fall after it has completely died back.
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    Propagating terrestrial orchid

    Although terrestrial orchids form fruits with numerous seeds after flowering, seed propagation is too complicated for the layman. Orchid seeds can only germinate with the help of certain symbiosis fungi with which the plants form what is known as mycorrhiza. Alternatively, orchid species such as the lady's slipper are propagated in vitro, but this is only possible under certain laboratory conditions.

    propagation by division

    Instead, the orchid lover can propagate many types of terrestrial orchids relatively easily by dividing them or by separating off the bulbs:

    • Dig out the lady's slipper and divide the nest into several sections by carefully bending it back and forth.
    • Dig up the thornwort and cut the rhizomes into five to ten centimeter sections with a sharp knife.
    • Dig up orchids and cut the bulbs in half with a sharp knife.

    Each new section must have at least two to three eyes, otherwise it can no longer sprout at the new location. Only share adult, well-rooted terrestrial orchids and never young plants in the first few years - they would not survive the procedure. The best time for a division is early spring, when the winter dormancy is gradually coming to an end and new shoots are not yet visible. Alternatively, you can also use this form of propagation at the end of the flowering period.

    Propagation via onion bulbs

    Some terrestrial orchids such as the Pleione orchids cannot be divided. Instead, these species produce annual pseudobulbs that can be used as breeding bulbs. After flowering, cut them off with a sharp and clean knife and put them in a pot filled with clay granules and disinfected garden soil. The young plants should be cultivated in a planter for two years and only then planted out.
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    tips

    Native terrestrial orchids such as the popular orchids are usually sufficiently hardy. However, young plants are much more sensitive to frost than older specimens, which is why you cover them thickly with fir or spruce branches or (beech) leaves after the autumn pruning and thus protect them from winter hardships.

    species and varieties

    A large number of native species are suitable for the garden, but some terrestrial orchids from the Mediterranean or similar climatic regions also feel at home in our gardens.

    Native terrestrial orchids for the garden

    • Bee orchid (Ophrys apifera): strikingly patterned, eye-catching flower lips, up to 50 centimeters high, for dry, lean meadows with calcareous subsoil
    • Leafless Mustache (Epipogium aphyllum): creamy white flowers, up to 30 centimeters high, in shady woods with thick topsoil
    • Bock's strap tongue (Himantoglossum hircinum): up to 100 centimeters high, up to 100 individual flowers, on calcareous, sunny grassland
    • Brown-red Stendelwurz (Epipactis atrorubens): growth height of up to 80 centimeters, delicate vanilla scent, violet flowers, primarily on dry and calcareous soil
    • Flesh-colored orchid (Dactylorhiza incarnata): 10 to 12 centimeters large, purple flowers, on wet meadows
    • Fly orchid (Ophrys insectifera): up to 40 centimeters high, characteristic brown flowers, on lean and dry grassland, in pine forests
    • Helmet orchid (Orchis militaris): up to 50 centimeters high, numerous light purple flowers, meager and dry meadows, pine forests
    • Male orchid (Orchis mascula): up to 70 centimeters high, violet flowers, on poor meadows and in shady forests
    • Orchid (Gymnadenia conopsea): up to 80 centimeters high, light violet flowers, on poor meadows, in moors and wetlands
    • Pyramid dogbane (Anacamptis pyramidalis): up to 40 centimeters high, bright pink or white flowers in a characteristic shape, calcareous nutrient-poor grassland or sparse forests
    • Two-leaved forest hyacinth (Platanthera bifolia): up to 50 centimeters high, delicate, white flowers, gives off a vanilla-like scent, in mixed deciduous forests

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Vegetable garden