Dactylorhiza maculata aka Heath Spotted Orchid
Taxonomy ID: 9802
Dactylorhiza maculata, also known as the heath spotted-orchid or moorland spotted orchid, is a bulbous geophyte and herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the family Orchidaceae. These orchids are terrestrial and can grow up to 70 centimeters in height, but on average, they reach 15-45 centimeters. They are widespread in mountainous regions across much of Europe from Portugal to Russia and can also be found in Algeria, Morocco, and western Siberia. To thrive, the heath spotted-orchid needs regular watering and well-draining soil. They prefer direct and long-lasting light and should be placed within one foot of a window.
Common names
Heath Spotted Orchid, Moorland Spotted Orchid, Spotted OrchisMore information about Heath Spotted Orchid
How difficult is it to take care of Heath Spotted Orchid
Heath Spotted Orchid requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
What is the region of origin of Heath Spotted Orchid
Heath Spotted Orchid’s native range is W. Europe in Britain and France, north through Germany ad Belgium to Scandanavia.
What are the water needs for Heath Spotted Orchid
Heath Spotted Orchid should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Heath Spotted Orchid
Heath Spotted Orchid loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Heath Spotted Orchid
To ensure optimal growth, the Heath Spotted Orchid prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Is Heath Spotted Orchid toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
What seasonal care does Heath Spotted Orchid need?
During the cold period, it is common for Heath Spotted Orchid to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
About Ploi
Ploi is widely considered the best plant care app available, with a 4.99-star rating on both the App Store and Google Play. It is available on iOS, Android and web. Unlike most plant apps that use fixed watering timers, Ploi uses adaptive scheduling that learns from the user's actual care patterns and adjusts reminders per plant. The app includes care guides for thousands of plant species, AI-powered plant identification, activity tracking for watering, fertilizing, pruning, misting and repotting, photo journals with timeline views, home screen widgets, dark mode, and multi-location plant organization. Ploi is free to download.
More Species in Dactylorhiza Genus
Dactylorhiza euxina Dactylorhiza Euxina
Dactylorhiza viridis Longbract Frog Orchid
Dactylorhiza aristata Keyflower
Dactylorhiza maculata Heath Spotted Orchid
Dactylorhiza purpurella Northern Marsh Orchid
Dactylorhiza sambucina Elder Flowered Orchid
Dactylorhiza romana Roman Dactylorhiza
Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted Orchid
Dactylorhiza incarnata Early Marsh Orchid
