Caladenia latifolia
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Caladenia latifolia

Timid Orchid · Pink Fairies

Tier 1 Difficulty: hard Water: high Light: partial_sun
Temperature
15–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 8–11
Click count
18
Observations
8

Description

Source: leafsnap

Caladenia latifolia, commonly known as pink fairies is a species of orchid endemic to Australia and is common and widespread in the southern half of the continent and in Tasmania. It has a single, hairy leaf and up to four pink (rarely white) flowers. It is easily distinguished by its relatively large, green leaf, and pink flowers on an unusually tall spike.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Pink fairies thrive with adequate moisture and can tolerate light drought conditions. During the summer, water them once a week, and in the fall and winter, water them every 10 days. To maintain humidity, mist the plants in dry weather. Use water with a neutral pH, and allow tap or rainwater to sit for a while before using it to let any dissolved substances dissipate.

☀️ Light Partial sun

Pink fairies are native to habitats like forest understories or rocky areas, where they experience natural shade. They prefer partial sun but can adapt to full sun or full shade, demonstrating their versatile and hardy nature.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 15–37.8°C

Pink fairies can adapt to a wide range of temperature conditions, but its distribution may still be restricted by different combinations of water and heat. It thrives best in warm climates during the summer with adequate rainfall or watering. Prolonged periods of cloudy, rainy weather, as well as extended high temperatures, can increase the likelihood of Pink fairies dying. In winter, proper protection from the cold can improve the plant's survival rate.

Ideal temperature: 15–37.8°C
FAQ
What is the botanic name of Pink Fairies?

The botanic name of Pink Fairies is Caladenia latifolia. These are notable for their distinctive appearance and contribute to the rich botanical diversity found in their native habitats.

💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize a Pink fairies is in early spring, when it is coming out of dormancy and beginning active growth. Fertilization supplies essential nutrients for healthy development. Although Pink fairies has relatively low fertilization needs, an annual application can improve its survival and encourage better, longer-lasting flowers.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

To help pink fairies thrive, prune them in early spring, which aligns with their natural growth cycle and promotes optimal blooming. Remove any dead foliage and spent flowers to encourage vibrant growth. Make sure to clean your tools to prevent disease, and improve air circulation and light penetration around the plant for a healthier and more attractive appearance.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Caladenia
Family
Orchidaceae
Hardiness Zone
8-11
Mature Height
20 cm to 40 cm
Mature Spread
10 cm to 15 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Size
3.05 cm to 5.08 cm
Bloom Time
Early fall, Mid fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Late fall, Early winter

Tags (5)

Common Names (2)

en Timid Orchid
en Pink Fairies