Overview

Caleana major is a plant with a terrestrial habit in the genus Caleana, part of the Orchidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Caleana major grows best in full sun, and tolerates sand soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. Suggested uses include ornamental.

About

Caleana major, commonly known as the duck orchid, is a terrestrial orchid belonging to the Orchidaceae family. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun with a south-facing, sheltered aspect, favouring fertile, well-drained sandy soil of neutral pH. It is hardy under glass (H1a) in the UK and is best grown as an ornamental. The duck orchid is of interest during spring and summer and can be propagated by seed or division.

About the genus

Caleana, commonly known as duck orchids, is a genus of flowering plants in the orchid family, Orchidaceae that is found in Australia and New Zealand. The Australian species are found in all states but have not been recorded in the Northern Territory. Duck orchids have a single leaf and one or a few, dull-coloured, inconspicuous flowers.

Wikipedia contributors, "Caleana", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Caleana

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Caleana

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sand

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1a

Plant details

Caleana major size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Terrestrial

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Ornamental

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Caleana major

Propagation

Seed, division

Pest resistance

Susceptible to aphids

Disease resistance

Susceptible to root rot

Frequently asked questions