Madeiran Marsh Orchid Plant Care
Dactylorhiza foliosa (Soland. ex Lowe) Soó
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dactylorhiza foliosa, the Madeira orchid or leafy orchid, is a species of flowering plant in the family Orchidaceae, endemic to the Portuguese Island of Madeira in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. It is a tuberous herbaceous perennial growing to 60 cm (24 in) and producing spikes of intense, magenta-pink flowers in late spring.
Bright indirect light
At a glance
How do you care for Madeiran Marsh Orchid?
Madeiran Marsh Orchid grows best in bright indirect light.
Where Is the Madeiran Marsh Orchid Native To?
What Is the Madeiran Marsh Orchid?
Madeiran Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza foliosa) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Dactylorhiza genus. Madeiran Marsh Orchid is native to the Portuguese Island of Madeira in the eastern Atlantic Ocean.
Madeiran Marsh Orchid displays an upright, clumping growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Madeiran Marsh Orchid produces colorful spikes of orchid-like flowers.
What Light Does the Madeiran Marsh Orchid Need?
Madeiran Marsh Orchid thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Madeiran Marsh Orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Madeiran Marsh Orchid?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Madeiran Marsh Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Madeiran Marsh Orchid?
Repot every 2-3 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 Madeiran Marsh Orchid?
Madeiran Marsh Orchid can be propagated through division, seed sowing. Similar propagation techniques also apply to common spotted orchid plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Madeiran Marsh Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Madeiran Marsh 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 Madeiran Marsh Orchid?
Madeiran Marsh 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.
Keep exploring plants
Madeiran Marsh 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 Dactylorhiza genus — compare its care with other Dactylorhiza species on PlantoScan.
Dactylorhiza is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Madeiran Marsh Orchid thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Dactylorhiza Species
Other Dactylorhiza species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dactylorhiza foliosa (Soland. ex Lowe) Soó, family Orchidaceae (first published in Nom. Nov. Gen. Dactylorhiza : 7 (1962)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Madeiran Marsh 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.
- 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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