Source: Wikimedia Commons
Summer Calanthe
AdvancedCalanthe puberula
An unusual summer-flowering Calanthe with spikes of pale purple flowers in July and August, back-curving sepal tips and a finely frilled lip. Sensitive to heat, dryness and viruses, it is hard to keep long-term.
About
Natsu-ebine is a terrestrial orchid often sold as Calanthe reflexa; GBIF treats that name as a synonym of Calanthe puberula, which is used here as the accepted name. In Japan it grows on Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu on damp deciduous forest floors around ravines and streams; it also occurs in southern China, Taiwan and Jeju Island. The pseudobulbs are rounded and carry three to five deeply pleated leaves 10-30 cm long. Unlike the mostly spring-flowering Calanthe, it blooms in July and August, with 10-20 pale purple flowers opening from the bottom of a stem 20-40 cm tall. The pointed sepals curve back, the three-lobed lip has a finely wavy central lobe, and there is no spur. It dislikes heat and dryness and is prone to viruses, so it is known as hard to keep healthy for long; in lowland areas from Kanto southward, buds often drop in the heat. Because it has seldom been propagated commercially, wild-collected plants have long been sold, and it is listed as Vulnerable on Japan's Ministry of the Environment Red List. It is widely sold by wildflower nurseries, but check that plants are nursery-propagated.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Summer Calanthe
The Summer Calanthe grows to Leaves 10-30 cm; flower stem 20-40 cm tall.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu), Korea (Jeju), Taiwan and southern China
Lifespan
Perennial (considered difficult to keep long-term)
Size
Leaves 10-30 cm; flower stem 20-40 cm tall
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
A little dilute liquid fertilizer from spring to early summer
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Keep it in bright shade away from strong sun; in summer it especially needs a cool, partly shaded spot.
Watering
It dislikes dryness; do not let the mix dry out, and in summer damp down the surroundings to keep humidity up.
Temperature & Overwintering
It is heat-sensitive and buds tend to drop in lowland summer heat. Keep it somewhere cool and airy in summer; it tolerates winter cold.
Soil & Repotting
Pot in a mix of kanuma or pumice with leaf mould that drains well yet holds moisture.
Pests & Cautions
It is prone to incurable viruses. Sterilise tools between plants and isolate any with symptoms. Choose propagated plants over wild-collected ones.
Summer Calanthe FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Summer Calanthe?
Advanced. A variety suitable for advanced growers. Requires advanced cultivation techniques and specialized equipment, with careful environmental adjustments needed.
QHow large does Summer Calanthe get?
The mature size of Summer Calanthe is Leaves 10-30 cm; flower stem 20-40 cm tall. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Summer Calanthe?
Summer Calanthe: watering & fertilizer — A little dilute liquid fertilizer from spring to early summer. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Summer Calanthe?
The price of Summer Calanthe varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Calanthe puberula Lindl.
Synonyms: Alismorchis puberula (Lindl.) Kuntze, Alismorchis reflexa (Maxim.) Kuntze, Alismorkis puberula (Lindl.) Kuntze, Alismorkis reflexa (Maxim.) Kuntze, Calanthe amoena W.W.Sm., Calanthe lepida W.W.Sm.
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
The whole orchid family is listed in CITES Appendix II (checked on Species+). International trade requires permits such as export permits, but no registration is needed to buy, sell or transfer plants within Japan. It is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the Ministry of the Environment Red List. It is native to Japan and is not designated as a Nationally Rare Species under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species (checked against the Ministry of the Environment list). Some prefectures restrict collecting wild plants by ordinance, so choose nursery-propagated plants rather than wild-collected ones.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment, Japan: list of Nationally Rare Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
Related Articles
Coelogyne Genus Seasonal Care Guide | Withholding Water in the Dry Season and Tips for Regulating the Bloom Cycle
A seasonal guide to Coelogyne, a type of epiphytic orchid, from watering during the growing season to dry-season drought management and tips for regulating the bloom cycle.
Post-Bloom Care: The Annual Cycle from New Growth to Flower Formation
Learn the annual care cycle for orchids from the end of flowering to the next bloom. This guide covers post-flower care including flower stem cutting methods, signs to observe during new shoot development, summer growth period considerations, requirements for flower bud formation, and finishing care from bud emergence through blooming.
A Complete Guide to Enjoying Orchid Exhibitions and Sales Events | Variety Selection and Post-Purchase Care
A guide to enjoying orchid exhibitions and sales events. Covering practical tips on variety selection, how to identify rare species, and post-purchase environmental acclimatization.
Complete Window-Sill Cultivation Guide for Mini Orchids | Techniques for Blooming Fragrant Orchids in Small Spaces and Low-Light Environments
A practical guide to growing miniature orchids on windowsills. Optimize light levels, humidity, and fertilizer management to achieve repeated blooms of fragrant orchids in confined indoor spaces.
Can't find the plant you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and growers with matching plants will contact you with introductions.