Squid orchid: Aromatic Plant
Prosthechea calamaria
Thrives in intermediate temperatures with high humidity and bright, indirect light. Ensure excellent air circulation and allow the orchid bark to slightly dry between waterings.
Every 5 days
Partial shade
15° - 28°C
60% - 85%
Categories
What is Squid orchid?
Squid orchid (Prosthechea calamaria) is a medium-care plant from the family. Prosthechea calamaria, commonly known as the Squid Orchid, is a charming epiphytic orchid native to Brazil. It features small, spindle-shaped pseudobulbs and produces unique, inverted flowers that resemble tiny squids or cephalopods. The blooms are typically creamy-white with delicate purple striati...
Squid orchid grows up to 25cm, spread of 20cm, watering every 5 days, 15°C – 28°C, 60–85% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Squid orchid is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 10 days.
How to Care for Squid orchid?
TLDR: Squid orchid needs Partial shade, watering every 5 days, and temperatures between 15-28°C with 60-85% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Squid orchid?
Water thoroughly when the potting medium feels dry to the touch, but before the pseudobulbs begin to shrivel.
How Much Light Does Squid orchid Need?
Provide bright filtered light, similar to what is found under a forest canopy; avoid direct midday sun which can scorch the leaves.
What Is the Best Soil for Squid orchid?
Use a specialized orchid mix consisting of medium-grade fir bark, charcoal, and perlite to ensure maximum aeration.
What Pot Should You Use for Squid orchid?
Slotted orchid pot or wooden basket with coarse fir bark or sphagnum moss.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
Misting
Every 2 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Squid orchid and Where Does It Come From?
Prosthechea calamaria, commonly known as the Squid Orchid, is a charming epiphytic orchid native to Brazil. It features small, spindle-shaped pseudobulbs and produces unique, inverted flowers that resemble tiny squids or cephalopods. The blooms are typically creamy-white with delicate purple striations on the lip and are known for their pleasant, subtle fragrance.
How to Propagate Squid orchid?
Pseudobulb Division
- Keep the new division in slightly higher humidity until new root growth is visible.
- Avoid watering for the first few days to let the cut heal.
- 1 Identify Division Point
Locate a section of the rhizome with at least three healthy pseudobulbs.
- 2 Separate Rhizome
Using a sterilized blade, carefully cut the rhizome between the pseudobulbs.
- 3 Potting
Place the new division in a fresh orchid medium, ensuring the base is stable but not buried too deep.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Squid orchid Grow?
TLDR: Squid orchid can reach up to 25cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
25cm
Spread
20cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
In orchid lore, they represent rare beauty and refined strength.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
