Heart-tongue calanthe Plant Care

Heart-tongue calanthe (Calanthe cardioglossa) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Calanthe genus.

Heart-tongue calanthe displays an upright, clumping orchid growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Heart-tongue calanthe produces colorful, showy orchid blooms in various shades.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Heart-tongue calanthe every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Heart-tongue calanthe thrives in bright indirect to filtered sunlight. Avoid placing Heart-tongue calanthe in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Calanthe cardioglossa tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Heart-tongue calanthe prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Loose, well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Heart-tongue calanthe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Heart-tongue calanthe every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to filtered sunlight and loose, well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Heart-tongue calanthe is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Heart-tongue calanthe can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Heart-tongue calanthe while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Heart-tongue calanthe is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Heart-tongue calanthe can be propagated through division, back bulbs, seedlings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to calanthe densiflora plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Heart-tongue calanthe 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.

Heart-tongue calanthe grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Heart-tongue calanthe as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.