Forest Calanthe Plant Care

Forest Calanthe (Calanthe sylvatica) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Calanthe genus. Forest Calanthe is native to tropical and southern Africa from Sierra Leone to Tanzania to South Africa, as well as Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Réunion.

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

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Forest 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.

Forest Calanthe thrives in bright indirect to filtered sunlight. Avoid placing Forest Calanthe in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Calanthe sylvatica tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Forest 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 Forest Calanthe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Forest 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.

Forest Calanthe is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 11b.

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.

Forest 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 Forest 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.

Forest Calanthe is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Forest 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.

Forest 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.

Forest Calanthe grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Forest Calanthe is native to tropical and southern Africa from Sierra Leone to Tanzania to South Africa, as well as Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Réunion. In cooler regions, grow Forest Calanthe as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.