Photo: Jeremy JonesCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Short-tailed Spider Orchid Plant Care
Caladenia brevisura Hopper & A.P.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its vibrant red and green-striped leaves, this plant native to Australia is a favorite among plant collectors for its unique and eye-catching appearance. Caladenia brevisura is highly sought after for its striking foliage that adds a pop of color and texture to any indoor garden or collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to dappled sunlight
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Short-tailed Spider Orchid?
Water Short-tailed Spider Orchid every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to dappled sunlight. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Short-tailed Spider Orchid Native To?
What Is the Short-tailed Spider Orchid?
Short-tailed Spider Orchid (Caladenia brevisura) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Caladenia genus. Short-tailed Spider Orchid is native to the south-west of Western Australia.
Short-tailed Spider Orchid displays a terrestrial, tuberous growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Short-tailed Spider Orchid produces colorful, intricate orchid flowers with unique shapes and patterns.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Short-tailed Spider Orchid?
Caladenia brevisura requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Short-tailed Spider Orchid Need?
Short-tailed Spider Orchid thrives in bright indirect to dappled sunlight. Avoid placing Short-tailed Spider Orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to dappled sunlight
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Short-tailed Spider Orchid Prefer?
Caladenia brevisura grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Short-tailed Spider Orchid prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Short-tailed Spider Orchid?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark chips and sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential for Short-tailed Spider Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Short-tailed Spider Orchid?
Feed Short-tailed Spider Orchid every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Short-tailed Spider Orchid?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Short-tailed Spider Orchid?
Short-tailed Spider Orchid can be propagated through division, seed sowing. Similar propagation techniques also apply to winged spider orchid plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Short-tailed Spider Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Short-tailed Spider Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Short-tailed Spider Orchid?
Short-tailed Spider Orchid is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Short-tailed Spider Orchid is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Caladenia genus — compare its care with other Caladenia species on PlantoScan.
Caladenia is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Short-tailed Spider Orchid thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Caladenia Species
Other Caladenia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Caladenia brevisura Hopper & A.P.Br., family Orchidaceae (first published in Nuytsia 14: 192 (2001)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Short-tailed Spider Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Jeremy Jones, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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