Overview
Chitonanthera is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Chitonanthera, part of the Orchidaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Chitonanthera grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include ornamental.
About
Octarrhena, commonly known as grub orchids, is a genus of flowering plants from the orchid family, Orchidaceae. Plants in this genus are small, orchids with short stems, thin roots, short, thick, fleshy leaves arranged in two ranks and tiny flowers.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Chitonanthera
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Chitonanthera size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Chitonanthera
- Propagation
- Division
- Pest resistance
- High
- Disease resistance
- High
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Chitonanthera?
Chitonanthera prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Chitonanthera need?
Chitonanthera grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Chitonanthera hardy in the UK?
Chitonanthera has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Chitonanthera?
Division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.