Dactylorhiza viridis aka Longbract Frog Orchid

Taxonomy

Dactylorhiza viridis, also known as Coeloglossum viride or the frog orchid, is a terrestrial orchid belonging to the genus Coeloglossum or Dactylorhiza. It is a small orchid that reaches a height of 15cm and has lance-shaped leaves. During spring and early summer, it produces flower spikes carrying 5-25 individual green flowers, which may have red or brown hues. This orchid is widely distributed across the cooler regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, non-tropical Asia, Canada, and parts of the United States. It thrives in moist, rich soil found in wet meadows, deciduous woods, thickets, and steep slopes. It can also be found in various habitats such as coniferous and hardwood forests, tundra, prairies, meadows, coastal heaths, and bogs, as long as the areas are shallow and moist, especially during springtime.

Common names

Longbract Frog Orchid, American Frog Orchid, Bracted Orchid

How to care for Longbract Frog Orchid

Water

Longbract Frog Orchid should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Longbract Frog 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

Longbract Frog Orchid requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Longbract Frog Orchid will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.


More info:
Wikipedia