How to grow an orchid in the garden: several species can be planted even in Ukraine

We are used to thinking of orchids as tropical beauties that require all our attention when they bloom on the windowsill. But botanists say that orchid plants are among the most widespread in the world and live almost everywhere – from the humid tropics to the polar regions. That is, you can find some that will take root in your garden.

However, experienced gardeners say that to grow beautiful varietal orchids in your flower bed, you will have to make some effort. After all, they need to create the right conditions for lush flowering. OBOZ.UA tells you what needs to be done.

Venus slipper orchid

This is the largest and most beautiful orchid growing in Eurasia. Gardeners have bred many varieties and hybrids of the flower that take root well in different conditions, require minimal maintenance, and are very resistant to external conditions.

Venus slippers need a slightly shaded place – they do not like to grow in the fall, and direct sunlight burns the plant. You will also need to make sure that the flower does not suffer from drought but do not overwater it. This type of orchid is planted in well-drained, neutral soil. It is better to water the flowers in the morning. And for the winter, the plant is covered with mulch – it tolerates frosts well, but additional protection will not hurt.

Orchidaceae

The flower will delight you with fancy-shaped inflorescences of flowers that come in different colors – white, pink, yellow, and purple. These orchids are planted in the shade. In general, the conditions for keeping cuckoo's feet are almost the same as for cuckoo's slippers. It is a very resilient plant that can survive even very unfavorable conditions in the ground and revive in better times. They bloom before the onset of summer heat.

Most species like lime-enriched soil and constant light moisture. Therefore, it is better to water them frequently and little by little.

Dactylorhiza incarnata

This type of orchid can be easily confused with the Orchidaceae – it also blooms with small, bright flowers. But its tuber has a very distinctive shape that resembles a palm with fingers, hence the second name of the plant – finger-root. Like other garden orchids, cuckoo's feet like shade and constant moderate moisture.

This flower grows best on a mixture of humus, peat, sand, loam, and bark compost. Like other European orchids, it is very resistant to wintering and hardy.

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