Plant origin

1. Taxonomy.

The latest changes in taxonomy are taken into account as far as possible. In general, the names for European orchids are based on Pierre Delforge, 2009, and CAJ Kreutz, 2024. The genus Orchis was reclassified by Pridgeon et al. (Lindleana 12(2): 89-109, 1997). In this reclassification, the Orchis group with 2n=36 chromosomes was placed in the genus Anacamptis. Later, in 2009, the old genus Orchis was further divided into several new genera. Since you may not yet be familiar with the new names, the name “Orchis” is also given in parentheses in the plant list.

2. On the origin of the plants.

The nursery has maintained a large stock of mother plants for many years. These plants are officially approved and legal. Many species from the genera Anacamptis, Orchis, and Ophrys are cultivated outdoors and are fully winter-hardy in southern Bavaria. Species such as Ophrys apifera, Ophrys insectifera, Ophrys fuciflora, Ophrys sphegodes, Anacamptis morio, Anacamptis coriophora, Anacamptis palustris, and Anacamptis pyramidalis were pollinated with pollen from non-winter-hardy species from the Mediterranean region. The resulting winter hardiness of the hybrids is indicated in the respective descriptions. Pollen and seeds originate partly from botanical gardens within Europe. Seeds and pollinia have also been obtained from Australia. The fifth continent boasts some very valuable collections of terrestrial orchids, including European species. I support scientific work on the ecology and conservation of orchids in the wild and am always happy to contribute to scientific projects. If you send me seeds for propagation, please observe nature conservation laws. Seeds may only be harvested from cultivated plants. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has provided seeds.

3. Culture.

All plants offered exhibit a distinct pattern of growth and dormancy. The mature seeds are sown at the appropriate time using mycorrhizal fungi. In the second year, potentially hardy plants are planted outdoors in beds to test their winter hardiness. Since winters in southern Bavaria can be harsh, the plants are covered during the worst frosts. However, the best frost protection is snow, as the temperature under a snow cover of at least 20 cm does not fall below -5°C. In summer, Mediterranean plants with a summer dormancy period are protected from excessive rain.

Plants typically retain their symbiotic partner (mycorrhizal fungus) for their entire lives. During dormancy, the fungus likely survives as spores on the surface of the tubers or within the roots. At the beginning of the growing season, the fungus colonizes the substrate from the tubers and establishes itself in the soil. From there, newly formed roots are infected. If the soil is unsuitable for the fungus, it cannot thrive, and the orchid loses its symbiotic partner. However, in suitable substrates, you usually don't need to worry about the fungus at all.

Since fertilizing with slow-release fertilizer, starting during potting, fertilizing with 0.2g/l Peters Excell or Kristalon red is now only rarely necessary. Commercial orchid fertilizers are also suitable for occasional use.

4. Substrate

The composition of suitable substrates is specified in the individual plant descriptions. The best results are achieved with wood fiber substrates. Such substrates were first developed in Switzerland by Intertoresa AG in collaboration with Prof. Penningsfeld as a peat substitute. In this process, coniferous wood is shredded and impregnated or fermented with nitrogen (N), other minerals, and various substances through steam, pressure, or other treatments. Intertoresa AG provided me with various impregnated wood fibers, which I tested for their suitability for terrestrial orchid cultivation. A product specifically suited for terrestrial orchids is now manufactured by Intertoresa AG and sold as Toresa Orchid Growing Substrate. Please ask about it at your local garden center.

5. Note.

Given the enormous variability of natural populations and the numerous unresolved taxonomic questions, this is only meaningful if the exact origin of the seeds can be specified. Plants without a verified origin are worthless for species conservation from a nature conservation perspective.

Please do not plant hybrids in the wild, as these could affect naturally occurring species. Introduced plants also compete with native species for growth factors and mycorrhizal fungi.