Introducing Calanthe vestita, an exquisite terrestrial or occasional lithophytic orchid native to the lush landscapes of Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, and Sulawesi. With its medium size and captivating features, Calanthe vestita is a must-have for orchid enthusiasts seeking beauty and elegance in their collection.
This stunning orchid boasts subconical bluntly angled pseudobulbs, adorned with broadly lanceolate, ribbed leaves that gracefully narrow into channeled and winged petioles. In the winter months, Calanthe vestita bursts into bloom, showcasing basal, suberect inflorescences adorned with delicate, long-lived flowers. These blooms, ranging from 5.0 to 7.5 cm in diameter, exhibit a pristine white hue with hints of yellow, red, or pink on the lip, creating a mesmerizing display.
To cultivate Calanthe vestita successfully, providing optimal growing conditions is paramount. Here are some essential tips:
Light: Maintain a light level of 25000-35000 lux, ensuring moderately bright light that is slightly filtered or scattered. Protect plants from direct midday sunlight, while ensuring strong air movement at all times.
Temperature: Create a thermophilic environment, with average summer temperatures of 27-28°C during the day and 22°C at night. In spring, temperatures range from 30-33°C during the day and 21-22°C at night, gradually decreasing. Winter temperatures average 29-32°C during the day and 17-18°C at night, with a daily amplitude of 11-13°C.
Humidity: Maintain high humidity levels, with over 90% humidity in summer and early autumn, gradually decreasing to 65-70% in winter and early spring.
Substrate and Repotting: Use a rich substrate with excellent drainage, such as a mixture of clay soil, well-fermented manure, osmunda fern, and chopped tree fern fiber. Repot annually after flowering, dividing the pseudobulbs and ensuring proper care during the rest period.
Watering: Water generously during periods of intensive growth, ensuring excellent drainage to prevent waterlogging. Reduce watering when new growths mature in autumn, resuming normal watering in spring after repotting.
Fertilization: Fertilize weekly with 1/4-1/2 of the recommended dose of orchid fertilizer during active growth. Adjust fertilizer content based on nitrogen and phosphorus levels throughout the year.
Rest Period: Significantly reduce watering in winter and early spring, resuming normal watering and fertilization when new growth appears in spring.
This is a blooming size imported bare root orchid division; newly repotted in a 4" pot; about 1 to 2 years to bloom; Grown from seed; Limited!
With proper care and attention to these cultivation tips, Calanthe vestita will reward growers with its enchanting beauty and graceful presence. Add a touch of exotic elegance to your orchid collection with Calanthe vestita today.