Round-headed orchid
Traunsteinera globosa · Orchidaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant round-headed orchid: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Type
- Perennial herbaceous plant
- Flowering
- May to July
- Adult height
- 20 to 40 cm
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Hardiness
- Hardy to -15 °C
- Origin
- Central and southern Europe
- Soil type
- Calcareous, well-drained
Care
Light exposure
Prefer a sunny to semi-shaded location to encourage flowering. This alpine orchid appreciates well-ventilated areas, away from stagnant moisture. Position it toward a bright, natural exposure.
Soil
Traunsteinera globosa thrives in a calcareous, well-drained substrate that is slightly rich in organic matter. Ensure water never pools at the roots. Adding small stones or pumice to the bottom of the pot improves drainage.
Watering
Water moderately during the growing period (spring-summer), allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in autumn and winter during dormancy. Absolutely avoid stagnant water, which causes root rot.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced, highly diluted fertilizer once or twice monthly in spring and early summer. Terrestrial orchids appreciate low-nitrogen formulations. Moderate application is sufficient; excess fertilizer weakens the plant.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove faded flowers as they appear to prolong flowering. After blooming, leave the foliage in place until it dries naturally so the plant can rebuild its reserves. Simply clean up dead debris.
Diseases and pests
Watch for root rot if humidity is excessive. Slugs and snails can damage young shoots; use physical protection methods. Leaf rust is rare but possible in overly humid conditions.
Did you know?
Traunsteinera globosa owes its scientific name to its remarkable inflorescences shaped like a small pink or purple globe. This European alpine orchid has fascinated botanists of the Alps since the 19th century because of its particular ecology: it grows preferentially in mountain wetland meadows, flowering late in spring just after snowmelt.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Chinese ground orchidBletilla striata
- Moth orchidPhalaenopsis amabilis
- Spotted orchidDactylorhiza maculata
- Lesser twaybladeNeottia ovata
- Broad-leaved helleborineEpipactis helleborine
- Western Marsh-orchidDactylorhiza majalis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.