Calanthe vestitia – 365 days of orchids – day 1139
 
Another sign of spring today with Calanthe vestita opening.. This species is a terrestrial found across South East Asia, form sea level up to 1000m, and requires a really dry winter rest after the leaves have turned brown and dropped. We put plants up on the electrical control box in the classroom section to make sure it is not watered by mistake. During the summer we keep plants wet and warm in Warm Asia.
The species was loved by the Victorians as it flowered with no leaves and so was tolerant of being brought into dry conditions in the parlour.
We grow plants in pots and repot every year as new growth commences though we are careful not to water too heavily until plants new growths are well established. We have found the species easy to raise from seed.
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