Also known as Christmas Orchid · 58 saves
Calanthe
Calanthe, the genus most gardeners know as christmas orchid. We track 10 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 10 most-saved Calanthe varieties
3 species of Calanthe
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Calanthe in Sow
Save the Calanthe you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Calanthe
Whats common across all Calanthe varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 10 most-grown of them.
The Calanthe year
- FertilizeMay–July100% of varieties
Apply a weak, balanced fertilizer as new growth begins
- MulchNovember and December90% of varieties
Maintain a thick layer of leaf mold mulch for moisture and protection
- Spring CleanupMarch and April50% of varieties
Remove any winter-damaged or yellowing evergreen foliage before new spikes emerge
- Winter PrepNovember and December50% of varieties
Cover with a thick layer of leaves or mulch for winter protection.
- PlantApril–June40% of varieties
Plant or transplant in early spring or early fall
- DivideOctober30% of varieties
Divide clumps only when overcrowded (every 4-5 years), immediately after flowering
- DeadheadJune and July30% of varieties
Cut spent flower spikes back to the base after blooming
Do
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Provide bright, indirect light
- Ensure good air circulation
Avoid
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
- Do not overwater during dormancy
- Avoid placing in dry, windy locations
What goes wrong with Calanthe
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mealybugs | White cottony masses on leaves | Apply organic insecticidal soap |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaves, speckled discoloration | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on leaves and stippling discoloration | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting, blackened roots | Reduce watering, improve drainage, repot if needed |
| Leaf spot | Brown spots on leaves | Remove affected leaves, improve air circulation, and apply fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting and black, mushy roots | Reduce watering and repot in dry, well-draining medium |
Making more Calanthe
Division
- Carefully dig up mature clump in early spring.
- Gently separate rhizomes using sterilized knife.
- Plant divisions in shaded, moist soil immediately.
- Water thoroughly and keep in humid environment for 2 weeks.
Seed sowing
- Sow seeds on surface of moist seed-starting mix.
- Cover lightly with soil or perlite.
- Maintain high humidity and indirect light.
- Keep soil moist for 4-6 weeks until germination.
Calanthe questions
How many types of Calanthe are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 10 distinct Calanthe varieties. The most popular — ranked by 58 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Calanthe grow in?
Across its varieties, Calanthe covers USDA Zones 5–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Calanthe bloom?
Most Calanthe varieties bloom in early spring, mid-spring, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Calanthe should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.