Dactylorhiza sambucina aka Elder Flowered Orchid

Taxonomy

Dactylorhiza sambucina, also known as the elder-flowered orchid, is a robust and deciduous herbaceous plant belonging to the Orchidaceae family. This species is commonly found throughout Europe, ranging from Portugal to Finland and Ukraine. Standing at a height of about 30-60cm, it features lance-shaped mid-green basal leaves that are unspotted and pointed at their tips. During late spring or early summer, dense spikes of lightly-scented flowers bloom in a range of colors, including purple, creamy-white, and occasionally salmon-pink.

Common names

Elder Flowered Orchid

How to care for Elder Flowered Orchid

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Elder Flowered Orchid due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Elder Flowered Orchid should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Elder Flowered 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.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Elder Flowered 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.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Elder Flowered Orchid to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.


More info:
Wikipedia