Calanthe striata, commonly known as the Striped Calanthe, is a perennial herbaceous orchid native to the understory of temperate deciduous forests, as well as shaded areas of evergreen broad-leaved forests in Korea, Japan, including the Ryukyu Islands, and China, specifically in regions such as Hainan and Taiwan. It typically grows to a height of 12-18 inches (30-45 centimeters). The Striped Calanthe features pleated leaves and produces racemes of yellow flowers with distinctive red-brown striations, which bloom in the spring and are quite showy. The plant’s natural habitat includes moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter.

In cultivation, Calanthe striata is valued for its attractive foliage and vibrant flowers, which make it a popular choice for shaded garden areas, woodland gardens, and as a specimen in orchid collections. It requires consistently moist soil, high humidity, and protection from intense direct sunlight. While it thrives in part shade, it can also adapt to deeper shade conditions. This orchid is not known for significant pest or disease issues but can be sensitive to overwatering and poor drainage. It is not typically invasive when grown outside its native range, but gardeners should always monitor their plants and ensure they do not escape into natural areas.CC BY-SA 4.0