Calanthe rubens still in bloom

[Bud]

I saw the flowers and the sequences of growing it from leafless bare root to full bloom from the site of
Tom of Punta Gorda, Florida and its so amazing...yep I think of getting one...

[greenbean]

Nice color! I didn't know these flowers lasted so long.

I have a deciduous calanthe that a friend gave me. I think it is vestita, given what he has in his collection, but can't be sure. When do these start new growth? Is there anything I need to do or special conditions I should provide to initiate new growth?

[glengary54]

Originally Posted by greenbean

Nice color! I didn't know these flowers lasted so long.

I have a deciduous calanthe that a friend gave me. I think it is vestita, given what he has in his collection, but can't be sure. When do these start new growth? Is there anything I need to do or special conditions I should provide to initiate new growth?

Evan - Thanks, the red is really intense this year. I cut back water as they start to bloom in the winter and then keep them dry for a month or so, they come out of dormancy (much like Catasetinae) in the spring (when they feel like it) with no special prompting. I resume water when growth starts. Although they are listed as warm to hot growers, I routinely subject them to temps in the mid to high 30's with no ill effect. One other thing, much like Catasetinae, they will only put out new growth from the front growth, I routinely divide them down to one bulb to give to friends or plant back into the same pot for a better display of flowers.

[greenbean]

Thanks Glen! I'll just have to be patient then and let it wake up when it feels like it. Oh, but I'm such a busy-body when it comes to my plants.

[euplusia]

Intriguing colour- makes me want to grab my own. Tomorrow and Friday I am on an orchid fair.

[glengary54]

Good luck finding one.