Caleana gracilicordata Plant Care

Caleana gracilicordata (Caleana gracilicordata) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Caleana genus. Caleana gracilicordata is native to the south-west of Western Australia.

Caleana gracilicordata displays a ground-hugging rosette growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Caleana gracilicordata produces unique 'flying duck' shaped flowers in red and green.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Caleana gracilicordata 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.

Caleana gracilicordata thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Caleana gracilicordata in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Caleana gracilicordata tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Caleana gracilicordata prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Caleana gracilicordata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Caleana gracilicordata 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 light and well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Caleana gracilicordata 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.

Caleana gracilicordata can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 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 Caleana gracilicordata 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.

Caleana gracilicordata 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.

Caleana gracilicordata can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to flying duck orchid plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Caleana gracilicordata 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.

Caleana gracilicordata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Caleana gracilicordata is native to the south-west of Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Caleana gracilicordata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.