Calanthe Hybrid ‘Crème’

The Calanthe genus contains about 200 species mainly in the Far East. This is a very popular orchid family in Japan, where they are considered sacred flowers. The variety of colors seems infinite. Some species and some cultivars have a very pleasant scent. As the flowering is the longest of all perennial orchids, this plant is also an excellent choice for growing in a pot on a terrace. In this case, be sure to select a large pot (minimum diameter 30-40 cm) so as not to hinder the development of new releases that will appear on the periphery the following year.

Planting          

The Calanthe love protected environments, land rich in humus, light, fresh, punctually wet.

Plant the Calanthe in a sheltered, light, moist undergrowth, or even near waterholes, in the company of Cypripedium, Arisaemas, ferns or hostas.

The earth should never dry out in summer but conversely should never be waterlogged in winter. Be sure to water regularly between April and September

The terrestrial Calanthus are quite greedy plants during the growing season: a regular supply of half-dose geranium fertilizer from mid-May to mid-September will be very profitable.

Calanthe are resistant to a minimum temperature of -10 ° C to -15 ° C. It is advisable, at least in areas with severe winters to protect them during long periods of freezing (temperature below -10 ° C for a long time).

No protection is required outside these periods.

Exposure

Expose them, half shade, at the edge of the big trees.

Growth Phase...

During the winter, the plant persists in the form of a pseudo-bulb.

Young Calanthe orchid shoots appear and spread their leaves in April. Depending on the species, flowering appears in spring, summer or autumn.

Over the years and successive cycles of growth and dormancy, Calanthe Orchids not only grow stronger, they also multiply thanks to the annual appearance of new shoots.