Calanthe Puberula

Description

Calanthe Puberula is a species of orchid that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. It is native to the Himalayas, where it grows in cool, high-altitude forests. This orchid is known for its attractive flowers, which bloom in shades of yellow and orange. The flowers are fragrant and can last for several weeks, making them a popular choice for cut flower arrangements.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Calanthe Puberula is a terrestrial orchid that can grow up to 60cm tall. The leaves are large, oblong, and grow in a rosette. They are dark green in color and have prominent veins. The flowers are borne on long, erect stems and can be up to 5cm wide. They are yellow or orange in color and have a distinctive, tubular shape. The lip is fringed and has a bright orange center.

Care Guide

Calanthe Puberula is a relatively easy plant to care for, making it a good choice for beginners. Here are some tips on how to care for this orchid:Water: Water the plant regularly, but make sure the soil is well-draining. Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season, using a balanced orchid fertilizer.Soil: Use a well-draining orchid mix, or a mixture of bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss.Sunlight: Calanthe Puberula prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can burn the leaves.Hardiness Zones: This orchid is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Calanthe Puberula is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases, including:Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.Scale Insects: These pests can cause black, sticky spots on the leaves. They can be treated with rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap.Root Rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. It can be prevented by using a well-draining soil mix and avoiding overwatering.

Habitat

Calanthe Puberula is native to the Himalayas, where it grows in cool, high-altitude forests. It prefers well-draining soil and bright, indirect light.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Calanthe Puberula be grown indoors?
A: Yes, this orchid can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with bright, indirect light.Q: How often should I fertilize Calanthe Puberula?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season.Q: What is the best soil mix for this orchid?
A: Use a well-draining orchid mix, or a mixture of bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Calanthe Puberula?
A: This orchid is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Calanthe Puberula:

• Calanthe Masuca
• Calanthe Triplicata
• Calanthe Vestita

References

• https://www.orchids.org/grexes/calanthe-puberula
• https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/266012/Calanthe-puberula/Details
• https://www.gardenia.net/plant/calanthe-puberula