Water
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially during dormancy.
Also known as Blue Butcher · Blue Butcher Orchid · Early Purple Orchis
Orchis mascula, the Early Purple Orchid, is a terrestrial orchid native to Europe and North Africa, featuring vibrant magenta-pink flowers in spring.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight.
50% intensity
Avoid direct, intense sun.
Keep soil consistently moist during growth, reduce in dormancy.
60% intensity
Avoid waterlogging.
Requires well-draining, humus-rich soil. A mix suitable for orchids or woodland plants is ideal.
50% intensity
Thrives in cool to moderate temperatures.
50% intensity
Ideal range 10-20°C.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Feed sparingly during the growing season.
20% intensity
Use diluted balanced liquid fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially during dormancy.
Remove spent flower spikes after blooming to prevent seed formation and direct energy back into the tuber.
Best propagated by division of tubers in early spring before new growth appears. Seed propagation is challenging and requires specific mycorrhizal fungi.
Repot only when necessary, typically every 2-3 years, after flowering and as the plant begins to go dormant. Use a well-draining orchid mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula)
Where Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Orchis |
| Species | Orchis mascula |
Similar in genus Orchis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
