Calanthe elmeri

General Information

Calanthe elmeri is a medium sized warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Grows to 23-28cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 20cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3-8cm

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Autumn

Blooming Season

• Autumn

Substrate(s)

• Fine
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite
• Sand

Climate

These orchids grow in cool climates, at low altitudes, in cool plains, forests or coastal scrub.

They are forgiving of humidity variances as long as temperatures are kept on the cool side. They can do well outdoors in the garden in cool and temperate areas, though it is important that they are protected from warm dry winds. They can enjoy morning sun especially in winter but will need protection from the hot sun in the afternoon and during summer. With some acclimatisation they may be able to receive more sun.

 

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 23mm to 1161mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 83% to 93%, highest in July and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 13C to 25C, highest in April (16C to 25C) and lowest in January (13C to 22C).

Fertiliser

These plants thrive on fertiliser, especially during periods of growth. Liquid fertiliser can be applied at the recommended strength, augmented with manure pellets or other quickly degradable fertiliser, applied away from the base of the plant, during periods of strong growth that occurs in the middle of the growth season.

Do not fertilise during the dormant period. Avoid using slow release fertiliser that breaks down for longer than 3 months, if using apply only after dormancy when new shoots have developed noticably, applied 4-5 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, and by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears. 

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Fertiliser can be applied heavily year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

Repotting is best done annually, in Spring and in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.