Photo: Cara-Lisa SchlootsCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
South Island greenhood Plant Care
Caladenia nothofageti D.L.Jones, Molloy & M.A.Clem.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This orchid species is known for its vibrant, red and white striped flowers that resemble candy canes. Originating from Australia, the Caladenia nothofageti is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique and eye-catching blooms that stand out in any collection.
Every 6–10 days
Bright indirect to dappled sunlight
65–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for South Island greenhood?
Water South Island greenhood every 6–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to dappled sunlight. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the South Island greenhood Native To?
What Is the South Island greenhood?
South Island greenhood (Caladenia nothofageti) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Caladenia genus. South Island greenhood is native to New Zealand. South Island greenhood is also known as Nothofagus greenhood.
South Island greenhood displays a terrestrial, tuberous growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . South Island greenhood produces colorful, intricate orchid flowers with unique shapes and patterns.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a South Island greenhood?
Caladenia nothofageti requires watering every 6–10 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 6–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the South Island greenhood Need?
South Island greenhood thrives in bright indirect to dappled sunlight. Avoid placing South Island greenhood 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 South Island greenhood Prefer?
Caladenia nothofageti grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. South Island greenhood prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a South Island greenhood?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark chips and sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential for South Island greenhood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a South Island greenhood?
Feed South Island greenhood every 2 months 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 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a South Island greenhood?
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 South Island greenhood?
South Island greenhood 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 South Island greenhood Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list South Island greenhood, 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 South Island greenhood?
South Island greenhood 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 South Island greenhood Need?
South Island greenhood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. South Island greenhood is native to New Zealand.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
South Island greenhood 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.
South Island greenhood 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 nothofageti D.L.Jones, Molloy & M.A.Clem., family Orchidaceae (first published in Orchadian 12: 226 (1997)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list South Island greenhood, 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: Cara-Lisa Schloots, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 9b, 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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