Dactylorhiza maculata - Keyflower

continental : Avoid too much sunny locations, preferring semishady places.
These plants can tolerate short frosts not excessively cold; in case of very rigid winters It is advisable to cover the aerial part with frost cloth.

alpine : For a balanced growth and in order to avoid leaves sunburns place this plant in a semishady location.
It is advisable to cover the aerial part of the plant with a frost cloth starting from October until spring, to avoid the exposure to excessive intense frosts.

mediterranean : It is suggested to place the Dactylorhiza maculata in a semishady location, away from direct sunlight for most part of the day.
These plants are grown in the garden; they tolerate slight frosts.

Fertilize Dactylorhiza maculata : Fertilize orchids using a specific fertilizer, to be dissolved in normal waterings every 15-20 days. Avoid fertilizings during the rest period and bloom.

continental : Waterings shall be generous and very regular, specially in summer; avoid to allow soil to become completely dry. When autumn starts decrease waterings and suspend them in winter.

alpine : Keep the soil mostly humid, remember to water it generously and regularly. In autumn and winter waterings can be occasional.

mediterranean : Waterings will be regular and generous, specially in summer, remember to allow the substrate to dry out between two waterings. In winter waterings can be suspended.

Pests Dactylorhiza maculata : If these plants are well grown they are not attacked by fungus or rots; sometimes some cochineals can hide under the leaves: they can be removed manually with a cotton wad soaked in the alcohol or with mineral oil.