Photo: Ashleigh RobbinsCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Small-flowered Caladenia Plant Care
Caladenia pusilla W.M.Curtis
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Caladenia pusilla is a charming orchid known for its petite size and delicate flowers. It is native to Australia, where it can be found in sandy heathlands and woodlands. Plant enthusiasts love it for its unique beauty and the challenge of cultivating this rare species.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to dappled sunlight
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Small-flowered Caladenia?
Water Small-flowered Caladenia every 7–10 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 Small-flowered Caladenia Native To?
What Is the Small-flowered Caladenia?
Small-flowered Caladenia (Caladenia pusilla) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Caladenia genus. Small-flowered Caladenia is native to Australia and New Zealand.
Small-flowered Caladenia displays a terrestrial, tuberous growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Small-flowered Caladenia produces colorful, intricate orchid flowers with unique shapes and patterns.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Small-flowered Caladenia?
Caladenia pusilla requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Small-flowered Caladenia Need?
Small-flowered Caladenia thrives in bright indirect to dappled sunlight. Avoid placing Small-flowered Caladenia 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-flowered Caladenia Prefer?
Caladenia pusilla grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Small-flowered Caladenia 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 Small-flowered Caladenia?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark chips and sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential for Small-flowered Caladenia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Small-flowered Caladenia?
Feed Small-flowered Caladenia 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-flowered Caladenia?
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-flowered Caladenia?
Small-flowered Caladenia 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-flowered Caladenia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Small-flowered Caladenia, 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-flowered Caladenia?
Small-flowered Caladenia 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-flowered Caladenia Need?
Small-flowered Caladenia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Small-flowered Caladenia is native to Australia and New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Small-flowered Caladenia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Small-flowered Caladenia 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-flowered Caladenia 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 pusilla W.M.Curtis, family Orchidaceae (first published in Stud. Fl. Tasman. 4A: 133 (1979)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Small-flowered Caladenia, 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: Ashleigh Robbins, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 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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