Caladenia flava
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Caladenia flava

Butter orchid · Cowslip orchid · Cow-Slip Orchid

Tier 2 Difficulty: hard Water: high Light: partial_sun
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 9–11
Click count
13
Observations
12

Description

Source: leafsnap

Caladenia flava, commonly known as cowslip orchid, is a species of orchid endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a relatively common orchid with a single, hairy leaf and up to three yellow flowers which often have red markings. In 2001 three subspecies were named and a fourth is recognised but not as yet formally described.

Care Guide

💧 Water

The butter orchid flourishes with sufficient moisture but can tolerate some drought conditions. During summer, water the plant once a week, and every 10 days during fall and winter, making sure the soil remains moist. To maintain humidity, mist the plant regularly and use water with a neutral pH. Let tap or rainwater sit for a while before using it.

☀️ Light Partial sun

The butter orchid comes from habitats such as forest understories and rocky locations, where it experiences natural shade. It prefers partial sunlight but can tolerate full sun or full shade, showing its adaptable and hardy character.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Butter orchid can adapt to a wide range of temperature conditions, but its distribution may still be constrained by different combinations of water and heat. It performs best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or watering. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather and prolonged high temperatures can raise the likelihood of the Butter orchid dying. In winter, appropriate protection from the cold can increase the plant's survival rate.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

For Butter orchid, the primary time to fertilize is in early spring while the flowers are forming. The appropriate fertilizer promotes better blooms and helps the Butter orchid produce attractive flowers. Fertilizing in early spring ensures excellent flowers throughout the season and supplies energy for dormant growth phases.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

The Butter Orchid is known for its vibrant yellow flowers and requires only minimal pruning. To enhance its growth, remove spent flowers and damaged leaves in early spring, making sure to use clean cuts to prevent disease. This practice improves air circulation and light penetration, which in turn boosts the vigor and appearance of the Butter Orchid.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Caladenia
Family
Orchidaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
30 cm
Mature Spread
20 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
3.05 cm to 5.08 cm
Bloom Time
Early fall, Mid fall
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
Late fall, Early winter

Tags (5)

Common Names (3)

en Butter orchid
en Cowslip orchid
en Cow-Slip Orchid