Grape Hyacinth Orchid
anacamptis morio
Also known as: ["Bishop's Orchid","St. Martin's Orchid"]
Overview
A terrestrial orchid species native to Europe, known for its distinctive greenish-yellow flowers with purple veins and a grape hyacinth-like appearance.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Genus: | Anacamptis |
| Botanical Name: | Anacamptis morio |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sunny, sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy-loam mix with added perlite or coarse sand; orchid bark can also be incorporated.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed after flowering or when debris accumulates.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning only; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright, indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; tolerates full sun in cooler climates but requires shade in hot regions.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatechallenging
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid direct afternoon sun; rotate pot for even light exposure; provide dappled shade in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; mimic natural rainfall patterns.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; top-dress with coarse sand if drainage is poor.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); prefers cooler conditions during dormancy.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 weeks during active growth with diluted orchid fertilizer, none in dormancy
Dilute fertilizer to prevent root burn; fertilize after watering to avoid salt buildup; stop in summer.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is common but challenging; division of mature clumps is possible but rare in cultivation.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect mature seeds.
- Sow on sterile medium.
- Maintain high humidity.
- Wait for germination.
- Transplant seedlings carefully.
Best Time: Late summer to early fall, when the plant is dormant but before new growth begins.
Environment
Cool, humid conditions (60–65°F or 15–18°C); indirect light; sterile environment to prevent fungal growth.
Medium
Sphagnum moss or a mix of peat and perlite; requires sterile conditions for seed germination.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; seed propagation may benefit from mycorrhizal inoculation.
Timeline
Seeds can take 1–3 years to germinate and several years to flower; division may take 1–2 years to establish.
Tools Needed
Sterile pots, seed trays, sphagnum moss, fungicide, mycorrhizal inoculant (optional).
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent contamination; maintain consistent moisture; be patient with germination.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flower spikes at the base; trim dead leaves carefully to avoid damaging the bulb.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged leaves and spent flower spikes.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Remove dead foliage; cut spent flower spikes; clean tools before use; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer to early fall, during dormancy.
Pot Size
Use the same size pot unless the bulb has significantly multiplied; ensure good drainage.
Method
Gently remove the bulb; trim any dead roots; replant in fresh, well-draining mix; ensure the bulb is at the soil surface.
Suggestions
Repot only when the bulb is overcrowded or the medium has decomposed; infrequent repotting is preferred.
Checklist
Use fresh potting mix; ensure bulb is not buried too deep; provide adequate drainage; avoid disturbing dormant growth.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early in the day; ensure proper drainage; reduce frequency in dormancy.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain freely; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during active growth (fall to spring), allowing soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering significantly in summer dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility; ensure aeration with orchid bark.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf yellowing, or failure to flower if temperatures are too high; stunted growth or rot if too cold.
Cold Stress
Prolonged cold can cause root damage or prevent flowering; may enter premature dormancy.
Solution: Insulate pots in winter; avoid placing near cold drafts; maintain consistent temperatures above 40°F (4°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, leaf scorch, or premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season only; rinse pot periodically to prevent salt accumulation.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted orchid fertilizer (¼ strength) every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAnacamptis morio is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported cases of toxicity in felines after ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicAnacamptis morio is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported cases of toxicity in canines after ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAnacamptis morio is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption, though it is not commonly used as a food source.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I care for Anacamptis morio?
A: Plant in well-drained soil in partial shade, water moderately during growth season, and allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Q: Does Anacamptis morio attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Is Anacamptis morio toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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