Dactylorhiza are all terrestrial orchids that occur in temperate to arctic regions in the northern hemisphere. By far most species live in the European region but a few occur in Asia and North America.
Dactylorhiza are very amable to cultivation where the temperatures are similar to those of their natural area of origin. Most species like constant wet feet and grow well in a wide range of soils (even ordinary potting soil) But, as with most terrestrial orchid species it is very important that the roots themselves remain cool even when the leaves are in the full sun.