Calanthe - unknown

[aeranthes]

I have never grown a Calanthe before although I've been growing orchids for 30 years! An orchid friend wasn't getting anywhere with a pot of pseudobulbs so asked if I would like it. Never one to say no I thought I'd give it a try and now have some lovely strong leaves growing. I'm assuming it is the deciduous type as there were no leaves on it when I was given it. I'd really appreciate your thoughts on how to care for it. Temp, humidity, feed etc. I have checked on the Internet but as always there seems to be conflicting advice - Jean

[Bud]

Some terrestrial orchids are extremely difficult to grow in the garden, but the ones that came from nurseries are not.

These evergreen perennials do well in shaded well-drained, humus-rich soil. They
can also be grown in pots if kept cool in the winter. Very well-drained soil and good
air circulation are essential.
Too bad its a Noid, out of 150 and some species, it would be hard to name this even if it flowers...hybrids of this are growing every day. I suggest you ask your friend who gave this to you to search from the source the name.
You are managing to grow it well...you must be doing something right

[aeranthes]

Thanks Bud. Yes here in U.K. it would be too cold to put it in the garden so I have it in small bark in the greenhouse with a minimum of 10C, 50F. I wrote again this afternoon to the member who gave it to me to see if she has details of exactly which Calanthe it is. I hope I get a reply from her soon. I have asked before but she didn't reply. Maybe the email went astray. I'll come back if I can get more details. - Jean

[glengary54]

aeranthes - What your picture shows looks to be a deciduous Calanthe. I grow mine during the growing season, spring to winter, with my Cattleyas in bright. In order to flower well over the winter they need to produce as large a bulb as possible during the growing season. In order to do that, they need copious amounts of water and lots of fertilizer. As the temps drop in the fall, you will notice the leaves start to yellow, at that point, reduce waterings and stop fertilizing. When all the leaves fall off, stop watering completely. The spikes normally start in the Fall and bloom during the winter dry rest. Your plant looks like it got a late start and has not developed mature bulbs yet. I would continue watering until the bulbs have matured or the leaves start to yellow. Some of mine are already in spike and starting to develope buds, a bit early this year, but then again the entire growing season here in the US has been a bit off. As far as medium goes any terrestrial mix will do as long as it is light and doesn't compact too much and drains well. If and when it blooms, please post a picture so that we can help you identify it. There are actually very few of the species commercially available so it shouldn't be too hard to figure out.

[aeranthes]

Thank you so much Glen. This is very helpful information. I will do as you say. It is in a light position but yes it did have a late start. I am going to keep a keen eye on this one as I am very anxious that it does well and I'll certainly post a picture if it ever flowers Thanks again - Jean

[Triffid]

Hello,
First off looking good!

I have a Calanthe tricarinata, which is one of the 7 or so hardy Calanthe species - as such it can tolerate most British conditions. I bought it from this place.
Hardy Orchid Nursery
I have found Jeff to be very helpful and a no-nonsense sort of guy.

According to his Booklet, apparently only Shikoku Nursery of Japan sends plants to retail nurseries in the UK. So it may be worth looking these guys up, to see if they have any relevant information that could help you.

Though it must be mentioned that not all Calanthe are Garden Hardy in the UK. Hope that helps and I cant wait to see what sort of beauty you have there!

[aeranthes]

Thanks Triffid That's useful info. I've just had a look at the website and it looks very interesting. With luck this orchid will be one of the ones pictured there. Yes I'll certainly post a picture if I'm lucky to get flower spike this seson. I've just watered and fed it and one of the pseudobulbs is quite large so maybe I'll be lucky

[Triffid]

No problem Glad to help.

Also forgot to mention before a couple of interesting little facts:
In Japan the Calanthes are so popular that they have the "Japanese Calanthean Society". May be worth looking up too, as apparently they are responsible for a lot of Hybrids as well as breeding and preserving Species.
and
The Genus itself, in Japan, is called "Ebine" which means "Shrimp Root"

[aeranthes]

Thanks Triffid. I'll any websites there that I can find today

[aeranthes]

The friend who gave me this Calanthe has contacted me to say that she is pretty certain it is Calanthe Rosea. I've found photographs on the Internet and it looks a beauty. She could never get it to flower but I'm hoping it'll like its new home and reward me