The Encyclopedia of House Plants

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Calanthe

Family: Orchidaceae.

Calanthe Genus of 120-150 species of everygreen, semi-evergreen, or decidious, rhizomatous, terrestrial, occasionally epiphytic orchids from sites in tropical and temperate areas(Asia Polynasia, and Madagascar). Some of them are used for cuttings.
Growing conditions Watering and misting Propagation
Plants of the medium warmth conditions. In the end of winter, after blooming, leafless bulbs survive without water in temp. of 16-18 degrees C (50-60 F) for about 1-2 months. With appearance at their base of new stems (but before formation of roots) old bulbs are divided from new ones, and the new ones are planted, not too deep, in orchid potting mix. During summer grow plants in a warm condition with circulating air. Shade from direct sunlight and feed regularly. Cuttings do not lose freshness up to 7-10 days. Grow in terrestrial orchid potting mix. Water freely in summer. Water evergreen species sparingly in winter. Avoid spraying the foliage, since it may become spotted. For spring-flowering plants, devide pseudobulbs after flowering. Otherwise, divide in early spring as new growth appears.
Calanthe vestida
Calanthe vestida
Calanthe vestita Lindl.
This Southeast Asian beauty comes in many color forms. It is deciduous and needs a lot of water when active growth starts, usually in early spring. When it matures and the leaves turn yellow, pull way back on water (almost none). Flower spikes appear November-January. Needs moderate light and intermediate conditions. Inflorencences open up gradualy, from the base to the tip, so the flowering continues for about 2 months (December-February). Calanthe vestita Lindl.

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