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Description
Caladenia Major, also known as the Pink Fingers Orchid or the Pink Lady Orchid, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Orchidaceae family. This Australian native plant is a terrestrial orchid that produces a single leaf and a single flower on each stem.The Pink Fingers Orchid can grow up to 40 cm in height and its flowers can reach up to 6 cm in diameter. The color of its flowers varies from pale pink to deep pink, with a central white or pink labellum.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Caladenia |
Appearance
The Pink Fingers Orchid has a single leaf that is up to 12 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. Its flowers are pink and have a central white or pink labellum. The flowers have long, thin, and spidery petals that give them the appearance of fingers. The plant blooms from late winter to early spring.
Care Guide
To take care of your Pink Fingers Orchid, you need to:- Water: Water your plant once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant season.- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced orchid fertilizer.- Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that is specifically designed for orchids.- Sunlight: Place your plant in a bright location but avoid direct sunlight.- Hardiness Zones: The Pink Fingers Orchid grows well in hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Pink Fingers Orchid is susceptible to common orchid pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. It can also be affected by fungal and bacterial diseases such as root rot and leaf spot. Make sure to keep your plant clean and dry to prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases.
Habitat
The Pink Fingers Orchid is a native plant of Australia and can be found in the states of Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia. It grows in dry or moist forests, woodlands, and heathlands.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow the Pink Fingers Orchid indoors?
A: Yes, you can grow the Pink Fingers Orchid indoors as long as you provide it with enough light and humidity.
Q: How often should I repot my Pink Fingers Orchid?
A: You should repot your Pink Fingers Orchid every 1 to 2 years to prevent the soil from becoming compacted.
Q: Can I propagate the Pink Fingers Orchid?
A: Yes, you can propagate the Pink Fingers Orchid by dividing its rhizomes during the dormant season.
Q: Does the Pink Fingers Orchid have any medicinal properties?
A: There is no scientific evidence to support the medicinal use of the Pink Fingers Orchid.
Related Plants
– Caladenia alata- Caladenia carnea- Caladenia flava- Caladenia latifolia- Caladenia tentaculata
References
– “Caladenia Major.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). https://anpsa.org.au/c-maj.html.- “Caladenia Major.” Orchids Made Easy. https://orchidsguide.com/caladenia-major/.
