Photo: Indy MarshallCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Small-lipped spider orchid Plant Care
Caladenia minor Hook.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Caladenia minor is a charming orchid species known for its petite size and delicate pink flowers. Native to Australia, it thrives in sandy or rocky habitats and is sought after by plant enthusiasts for its unique beauty.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to dappled sunlight
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Small-lipped spider orchid?
Water Small-lipped 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 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Small-lipped spider orchid Native To?
What Is the Small-lipped spider orchid?
Small-lipped spider orchid (Caladenia minor) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Caladenia genus. Small-lipped spider orchid is native to New Zealand. Small-lipped spider orchid is also known as Dwarf caladenia.
Small-lipped spider orchid displays a terrestrial, tuberous growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Small-lipped spider orchid produces colorful, intricate orchid flowers with unique shapes and patterns.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Small-lipped spider orchid?
Caladenia minor 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 Small-lipped spider orchid Need?
Small-lipped spider orchid thrives in bright indirect to dappled sunlight. Avoid placing Small-lipped 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 Small-lipped spider orchid Prefer?
Caladenia minor grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Small-lipped spider orchid prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Small-lipped spider orchid?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark chips and sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential for Small-lipped spider orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Small-lipped spider orchid?
Feed Small-lipped 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 Small-lipped 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 Small-lipped spider orchid?
Small-lipped 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 Small-lipped spider orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Small-lipped 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 Small-lipped spider orchid?
Small-lipped 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Small-lipped spider orchid Need?
Small-lipped spider orchid grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. Small-lipped spider orchid is native to New Zealand.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8b – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Small-lipped 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.
Small-lipped 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 minor Hook.f., family Orchidaceae (first published in Fl. Nov.-Zel. 1: 247 (1853)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Small-lipped 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: Indy Marshall, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8b – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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