Web Sites by Tom

The Life Cycle of a Tray of Calanthe Orchids

Calanthe Vestitas

Above is a colony of Calanthe vestitas that I grew in a tray made by my brother. According to Jay Pfahl's Orchid Species Encyclopedia, the particular kind is Calanthe vestita Lindley var rubro-oculata.

Calanthe rosea

Those are Calanthe vestita bulbs and Calanthe roseas. The bulbs have an hourglass shape, and the flowers are a bit smaller than those on the Calanthe vestitas, but very attractive.

Calanthe rosea

The Calanthe vestita colony tray above started with 8 bulbs in the spring.

Calanthe rosea

By the time this picture was taken in early October, the leaves were starting to turn brown...

Calanthe rosea

...but a look underneath reveals that flower spikes are starting to emerge

Calanthe rosea

In this picture, in early fall, the last leaves have died or been trimmed off, and the flower spikes are getting long enough to start showing flowers soon. For growing tips and a look behind the scenes at how I grow them, please visit my Calanthe Care page

Punta Gorda, Florida · 941-628-5177