Calanthe puberula, commonly known as Downy Calanthe, is a deciduous herbaceous plant native to the understory of montane forests and moist, shaded areas of Southeast Asia, including regions such as the Himalayas, China, and Japan. It typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 1.5-2 feet (0.46-0.6 meters) and a width of 1-1.5 feet (0.3-0.5 meters). Downy Calanthe is characterized by its pleated leaves and racemes of white or yellow flowers that are quite showy, blooming profusely in the spring and summer months.

This orchid is valued for its ornamental flowers and is often used in shaded garden beds, woodland gardens, and as a container plant for outdoor patios or indoor settings. It requires consistent moisture and thrives in well-draining loam or clay soils with high organic matter. Downy Calanthe prefers part shade but can tolerate morning sun with afternoon shade. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or if drainage is poor. It is not known to be invasive and is relatively low-maintenance, making it a suitable choice for gardeners looking to add exotic flair to their plant collection.CC BY-SA 4.0