Orchids are considered flowers that require a lot of care and therefore belong in the hands of garden experts. However, there are a few native orchid species that can even be grown in the garden. In addition to the lady's slipper, orchid can be planted outdoors without much care.
How to care for orchid in the garden?
Orchid in the garden thrives in full sun to partially shaded locations with a slightly moist and slightly acidic substrate. They need sufficient moisture, occasional orchid fertilization and protection from snail infestation. Avoid overgrowth by other plants.
The right location for orchid in the garden
- Full sun to partial shade
- likes to be moist
- slightly acidic substrate
Most orchid species prefer a full sun location with slightly moist soil. They are well suited for planting on the edges of ponds, but also feel very comfortable in natural meadows. They prefer to grow near other native orchids.
Make sure there is enough planting distance from other, vigorous plants. Otherwise the delicate orchids will quickly become overgrown.
How to plant orchid correctly
Prepare the soil by loosening it well and improving it with rotted wood chips. Peat is also well tolerated, but should not be used for ecological reasons.
Dig a planting hole about 20 centimeters deep. The orchid bud should be covered with two centimeters of soil.
The right care for orchid
Orchid in the garden needs sufficient moisture. Keep the soil well moist. Avoid watering the plants from above.
During the growth phase, give the orchid some orchid fertilizer every two to three weeks. You should not fertilize too much, as orchid will rot quickly if the soil is too nutritious.
Keep the space around the orchid free of wild herbs and other plants so that the orchids do not become overgrown.
Watch out for snail infestation
Orchid is rarely attacked by pests. Only snails also like the leaf rosettes and the delicate flowers. If necessary, create a snail barrier.
In the wild, orchid is protected because it is threatened with extinction. It is therefore forbidden to dig up or pick the plant. Always buy local orchids for the garden from specialist garden shops.
Tip
The two most common orchid species are Orchis and Dactylorhiza. Most Orchis species die down in summer and sprout a new rosette in autumn. Dactylorhiza, on the other hand, moves in in autumn and sprouts again in spring.
