Small Duck Orchid Plant Care

Small Duck Orchid (Caleana nigrita) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Caleana genus. Small Duck Orchid is native to the south-west of Western Australia. Small Duck Orchid is also known as Flying Duck Orchid.

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

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Small Duck Orchid 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.

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

Caleana nigrita tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Small Duck Orchid 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 Small Duck Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Small Duck Orchid 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.

Small Duck Orchid 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.

Small Duck Orchid 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 Small Duck Orchid 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.

Small Duck Orchid 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.

Small Duck Orchid can be propagated through division, seeds.

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

Small Duck 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.

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