Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Alpine Dwarf Orchid Plant Care
Chamorchis alpina (L.) Rich.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its vibrant purple flowers and delicate, heart-shaped leaves, this alpine beauty originates from the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to its rarity and unique appearance, making it a desirable addition to any garden or collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
50–70°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Alpine Dwarf Orchid?
Water Alpine Dwarf Orchid every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 50–70°F (10–21°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Alpine Dwarf Orchid Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
What Is the Alpine Dwarf Orchid?
Alpine Dwarf Orchid (Chamorchis alpina) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Chamorchis genus. Alpine Dwarf Orchid is native to subarctic and subalpine parts of Europe: Scandinavia, the Alps, the Carpathians, northern European Russia.
Alpine Dwarf Orchid displays a clumping, terrestrial growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Alpine Dwarf Orchid produces small, delicate orchid flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Alpine Dwarf Orchid?
Chamorchis alpina requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Alpine Dwarf Orchid Need?
Alpine Dwarf Orchid thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Alpine Dwarf Orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Alpine Dwarf Orchid Prefer?
Chamorchis alpina grows best at temperatures of 50–70°F. Alpine Dwarf Orchid prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–70°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Alpine Dwarf Orchid?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Alpine Dwarf Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Alpine Dwarf Orchid?
Feed Alpine Dwarf Orchid every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Alpine Dwarf Orchid?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Alpine Dwarf Orchid?
Alpine Dwarf Orchid can be propagated through division, seed sowing.
Is the Alpine Dwarf Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Alpine Dwarf Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Alpine Dwarf Orchid?
Alpine Dwarf Orchid is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Alpine Dwarf Orchid Need?
Alpine Dwarf Orchid grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 6b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Alpine Dwarf Orchid is native to subarctic and subalpine parts of Europe: Scandinavia, the Alps, the Carpathians, northern European Russia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 6b
Keep exploring plants
Alpine Dwarf Orchid is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Chamorchis genus — compare its care with other Chamorchis species on PlantoScan.
Chamorchis is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Alpine Dwarf Orchid thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Chamorchis alpina (L.) Rich., family Orchidaceae (first published in De Orchid. Eur. : 35 (1817)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Alpine Dwarf Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 6b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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