Dactylorhiza maculata - Keyflower

Pests Dactylorhiza maculata : These plants are often infested by cochineal that can be eliminated by using mineral oil, paying attention to avoid to spray it on the flowers. A good growth prevent the emerging of rots.

continental : These plants shall be watered frequently to keep a constantly humid substrate. However avoid the water stagnation and decrease waterings in case of low temperatures.

alpine : Water the Dactylorhiza maculata very regularly, to maintain the soil always humid, but not soaked. During the coldest months water only if the soil dries out completely.

mediterranean : Waterings will be very regular, giving a good amount of water, to allow the soil to be constantly humid, avoiding to drench it completely. Decrease waterings in the cost season.

continental : Grow the Dactylorhiza maculata away from direct sunlight, in a semishady location.
Remind that the Dactylorhiza maculata can tolerate without any problem slight frosts; in particularly rigid winters cover the aerial part with frost cloth.

alpine : These plants like few hours a day of sunlight, therefore place them in a location where they are exposed to a filtered sunlight or that are shaded for few hours a day.
We suggest to place these plants in a sheltered location in winter: even thought they tolerate temperatures close to -5°C they do not tolerate intense frosts.

mediterranean : These plants need to be placed in semishady locations for most part of the day.
These plants are rather rustic and normally do not have problems also in case of frosts during winter; in case of particularly rigid winters it is possible to cover the aerial part with frost cloth.

Fertilize Dactylorhiza maculata : We suggest a regular fertilizing, every 15-20 days, from March to October, using a specific fertilizer for orchids. Fertilizings shall be suspended during bloom and during a possible rest period.