Dactylorhiza purpurea - Keyflower

Treatments Dactylorhiza purpurea : Avoid to grow orchids in stagnating water; the foliage can occasionally be infested by the cochineal, which is eliminated by using mineral oil.

continental : Water the Dactylorhiza purpurea very regularly, trying to maintain the soil always a little humid, but not soaked or with stagnating water. Remember to increase waterings during the most luxuriant vegetative period, from March until October, and to decrease watering when the cold period starts.

alpine : We remind to water the Dactylorhiza purpurea very often, specially in summer; the soil shall be maintained humid constantly, but not soaked. During the cold season we can decrease waterings, but avoid the soil to dry out completely for too long periods.

mediterranean : Water the Dactylorhiza purpurea very regularly, allowing the substrate to be constantly humid; increase waterings specially in summer, and decrease them in winter. Remember that these plants suffer from drought, specially in case of long duration drought.

continental : The Dactylorhiza purpurea prefers to be grown in half-darkness.
These plants tolerate also slight frosts without any problem; cover the aerial part with frost cloth in winter.

alpine : It prefers semishady locations, where it can receive few hours a day of sunlight.
They can tolerate slight frosts without any problem; cover the aerial part with frost cloth in winter.

mediterranean : We suggest to place these plants in a semishady location for a balanced growth.
Normally they tolerate also long frosts without any problem, therefore they can be grown outside; in case of particularly rigid winters cover the aerial part with frost cloth.

Fertilization Dactylorhiza purpurea : Orchids need a specific fertilizer, to be given only during the vegetative period; avoid fertilizings during bloom and during a possible rest period. Remember to avoid orchids to be in contact with the fertilizing solution too long.