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Description
Calypso Bulbosa, commonly known as Calypso Orchid, is a small, perennial, and terrestrial orchid that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. It is native to North America and can be found in cool, moist, and shaded areas such as coniferous forests, bogs, and meadows. The plant has a single stem that grows up to 15 cm in height, with a solitary leaf that is round and green in color. The plant produces a single flower that is pink, purple or white in color, with a lip that is fringed and spotted. The flower has a diameter of 2-3 cm and has a sweet fragrance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Calypso |
Appearance
Calypso Bulbosa has a unique appearance that makes it easily recognizable. The plant has a single stem that grows up to 15 cm in height and a solitary leaf that is round and green in color. The leaf has a diameter of 5-10 cm and is deeply grooved. The plant produces a single flower that is pink, purple or white in color, with a lip that is fringed and spotted. The flower has a diameter of 2-3 cm and has a sweet fragrance. The plant also has a small, round, and brownish-yellow corm that is about 1 cm in diameter.
Care Guide
Calypso Bulbosa is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to help you take care of your Calypso Bulbosa:- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Watering once a week should be enough.- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: Calypso Bulbosa likes well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade.- Hardiness Zones: Calypso Bulbosa can grow in USDA hardiness zones 2-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Calypso Bulbosa is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, here are some issues you may encounter:- Slugs and snails: These pests can damage the leaves and flowers. Use slug and snail bait to control them.- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing of the leaves. Use an insecticidal soap to control them.- Fungal diseases: Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases such as root rot. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and do not overwater.
Habitat
Calypso Bulbosa is native to North America and can be found in cool, moist, and shaded areas such as coniferous forests, bogs, and meadows. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 2-8.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Calypso Bulbosa be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors as long as it is kept in a cool, moist, and shaded area.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Calypso Bulbosa?
A: Fertilize once a month during the growing season.
Q: How do I propagate Calypso Bulbosa?
A: The plant can be propagated by dividing the corms in the fall after the flowering season.
Q: How long does it take for the plant to flower?
A: Calypso Bulbosa usually flowers in the spring and the flowers last for about 2-3 weeks.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Calypso Bulbosa:- Cypripedium acaule (Pink Lady’s Slipper)- Platanthera grandiflora (Giant Purple Fringed Orchid)- Goodyera pubescens (Downy Rattlesnake Plantain)- Corallorhiza odontorhiza (Autumn Coralroot)
References
– USDA Plants Database: Calypso Bulbosa- Missouri Botanical Garden: Calypso Bulbosa- Wildflower.org: Calypso Bulbosa- Orchids Wiki: Calypso Bulbosa
