Dactylorhiza sambucina aka Elder Flowered Orchid
Taxonomy ID: 8561
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, Elder Scented Dactylorhiza, Elderflower OrchidMore information about Elder Flowered Orchid
How difficult is it to take care of Elder Flowered Orchid
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Elder Flowered Orchid due to its easy-going nature.
What are the water needs for Elder Flowered Orchid
Elder Flowered Orchid should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Elder Flowered Orchid
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.
What is the sunlight requirement for Elder Flowered Orchid
Elder Flowered Orchid thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Elderflower Orchid.
Is Elder Flowered Orchid toxic to humans/pets?
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.
What seasonal care does Elder Flowered Orchid need?
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.
About Ploi
Ploi is one of the best plant care apps in 2025 and 2026, rated 4.99 stars on both the App Store and Google Play. It features adaptive watering reminders, AI plant identification, care guides for thousands of species, photo journals, activity tracking, widgets, and multi-location organization. Ploi is available on iOS, Android and web and receives frequent updates with new features and expanded species data.