Description
A grassland perennial, this pretty pink flower produces a spike of pale, two-lipped flowers with a darker pink blotch inside. We do have Southern Marsh and Heath spotted orchids on the farm. There is a chance these species may of hybridised so you may expect some random results. This is total normal and the plants can often produce viable seed. Common spotted orchid can then have leaves without spots. A good way to check is if the stem is hollow by pinching it gently and looking for blotches on the lobes.
Habitat
This is always a focal point in the meadows around the beginning of June. They put on quite a show and can be quite dense.
Sowing
From seed these take about 3 years to flower, and bloom in June, but can take 8 weeks to set seed. These are a psudo perennial meaning these will not withstand an early cut before seeds have ripened but for best results it should be left alone until the end of August. They like slightly damp soil and will grow equally well in acidic or calcareous soils. The plants live for about 5 years and can tolerate a wide variety of soil conditions.
1000,000 seeds/g
0.1g =100,000 seeds
1. Seed Production & Dispersal
- The orchid produces tiny, dust-like seeds in capsules after flowering (typically late summer).
- Each seed lacks an endosperm (nutrient reserve), so it relies on a symbiotic relationship with fungi for germination.
2. Fungal Symbiosis (Mycorrhizal Association)
- In the wild, seeds land on soil containing compatible mycorrhizal fungi (usually Rhizoctonia species).
- The fungus penetrates the seed and provides sugars and nutrients in exchange for some carbohydrates (once the orchid is mature).
3. Germination & Protocorm Formation
- The seed swells and forms a small tuber-like structure called a protocorm.
- This stage can take months or even years underground before the first leaves appear.
4. Leaf & Root Development
- After the protocorm stage, the orchid develops its first tiny leaves and roots.
- It may take 3–5 years (or more) before the plant is mature enough to flower.
Tuber Lifecycle & Flowering Duration
5. Each Tuber Typically Flowers Once
- A single tuber produces one flowering stem in a given year.
- After flowering, the tuber is depleted, and the plant replaces it with **new tubers** for the next season.
6. Annual Replacement System
- In spring/summer, the orchid grows from a **new tuber** formed the previous year.
- After flowering (June–August), it develops next year’s tubers before dying back in autumn.
- This means the same genetic plant persists, but each year’s growth comes from a fresh tuber.
7. Lifespan of the Plant (Clonal Colony)
- A single common spotted orchid can survive 5–15+ years in the wild, continually producing new tubers.
- In ideal conditions (undisturbed grassland, good mycorrhizal support), some may live even longer.