Champagneux's Orchid
anacamptis champagneuxii
Also known as: ["Champagneux's Orchid"]
Overview
A terrestrial orchid species native to the Mediterranean region, characterized by its pinkish-purple flowers arranged in a dense spike.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Genus: | Anacamptis |
| Botanical Name: | Anacamptis champagneuxii |
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":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining orchid mix with added perlite or coarse sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering each year.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily. Can tolerate morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun if moving from shade; protect from intense midday sun; place in a spot with filtered light or dappled shade outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
challengingchallenging
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun; adjust based on season.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; reduce watering during dormancy.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.5).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogged soil; maintain slightly acidic pH.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 15–25°C (59–77°F). Tolerates cooler nights down to 10°C (50°F) during dormancy.
Keep cool in summer; protect from frost; maintain moderate temps during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 weeks during active growth with diluted orchid fertilizer, none in dormancy
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
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.
- Divisions should be carefully separated and repotted.
Best Time: Late summer or early fall, after flowering and before dormancy begins.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (20–25°C or 68–77°F), and indirect light for seedlings or divisions.
Medium
Sphagnum moss or a sterile orchid seed medium for seed propagation; well-draining orchid mix for division.
Hormone
Not applicable for seed propagation; rooting hormone may aid division but is not typically required.
Timeline
Seeds may take 1–2 years to germinate and several years to flower; divisions may take 1–2 years to establish.
Tools Needed
Sterile knife or scissors, propagation case or plastic bag, sterile medium.
Quick Tips
Maintain sterile conditions for seeds; divisions should be done carefully to avoid damage; patience is key.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower spikes at the base with clean, sharp tools.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning is needed. Remove spent flower spikes promptly to conserve energy.
Tools
Pruning shears or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; cut at the base; remove only spent flowers; no foliage pruning needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, after flowering and before dormancy.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger if repotting due to overcrowding; otherwise, maintain the same pot size.
Method
Carefully remove the plant, trim any dead roots, and repot in a well-draining orchid mix. Ensure the pseudobulbs are above the soil level.
Suggestions
Repot only when the plant becomes overcrowded or the medium breaks down, typically every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Use fresh orchid mix; ensure pseudobulbs are exposed; provide good drainage; avoid disturbing healthy roots.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water at the base; ensure drainage; reduce in dormancy.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, avoiding the pseudobulbs and foliage. Ensure water penetrates the root zone but does not pool. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall. Ensure excess water drains away completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during the growing season (spring to early summer), allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in late summer and fall as the plant enters dormancy. Avoid watering the pseudobulbs directly to prevent rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; use orchid bark to enhance aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf yellowing or browning in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Prolonged cold can cause root damage and inhibit flowering. Frost can kill tender parts of the plant.
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent cold stagnation; avoid placing near drafty windows or doors.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, leaf scorch, and premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but carefully during heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season only; avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced orchid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAnacamptis champagneuxii is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects following ingestion by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicAnacamptis champagneuxii is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects following ingestion by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAnacamptis champagneuxii is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. The plant is not documented to cause any adverse physiological effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the natural habitat of Anacamptis champagneuxii?
A: It is native to the Mediterranean region, typically found in grasslands and open woodlands.
Q: How should this orchid be watered?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot.
Q: Does this orchid require special care indoors?
A: It is best grown outdoors in its native climate; indoor cultivation is challenging and requires mimicking its natural conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Care: | challenging |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
