Also known as Christmas Orchid · 50 saves
Calanthe
Calanthe, the genus most gardeners know as christmas orchid. We track 11 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 11 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 11 most-grown of them.
The Calanthe year
- FertilizeApril–June100% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer as new shoots emerge
- MulchMarch, October and November91% of varieties
Refresh organic mulch to maintain moisture and protect rhizomes
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March55% of varieties
Remove any damaged or yellowing evergreen foliage before new growth starts
- Winter PrepOctober and November45% of varieties
Cover with a thick layer of leaves or mulch for winter protection.
- DivideSeptember36% of varieties
Divide crowded clumps every 4-5 years in early fall
- DeadheadMay and June36% of varieties
Cut spent flower spikes back to the base
- PlantMarch–May36% of varieties
Plant or transplant in early spring or early fall
Do
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Use orchid-specific fertilizer monthly
- Repot every 2-3 years to refresh media
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
Avoid
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Do not expose to direct, harsh sunlight
What goes wrong with Calanthe
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mealybugs | White, cottony masses on leaves and stems | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted new growth | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| 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 |
| Root Rot | Soft, brown roots and wilting plant | Reduce watering and repot in well-draining media |
| Leaf Spot | Brown or black spots on leaves | Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation |
Making more Calanthe
Division
- Carefully dig up the mature plant
- Separate offsets with roots intact, taking care not to damage
- Plant divisions in fresh, well-draining media
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Keep in shaded area for 2 weeks
Seed sowing
- Collect mature seeds in late fall
- Tuck seeds into moist, sterile orchid mix
- Maintain high humidity and indirect light
- Germination occurs in 6–12 weeks
- Keep soil moist and avoid direct sunlight
Calanthe questions
How many types of Calanthe are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 11 distinct Calanthe varieties. The most popular — ranked by 50 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.