Phaiocalanthe Kryptonite ‘Chariots of Fire’

A bold, cherry-red terrestrial orchid that’s easy to grow and impossible to ignore. This celebrated Phaiocalanthe hybrid (Calanthe × Phaius) is prized for its richly saturated red petals and contrasting white-speckled lip—flowers that look “painted,” even from across the room. Vigorous and forgiving, it’s a fantastic choice if you’ve only grown Phalaenopsis and want a showier, more architectural plant.

Phaiocalanthe Kryptonite ‘Chariots of Fire’ is a vigorous Calanthe × Phaius hybrid known for its saturated cherry-red petals and beautifully patterned white lip. It grows as a terrestrial orchid, forming elegant fans of foliage and rewarding you with a dramatic display of multiple blooms per spike. Give it bright, indirect light, keep the medium evenly moist (never soggy), and feed lightly during active growth. Plant in a roomy pot using a moisture-retentive but free-draining mix such as coco chips with a bit of bark/perlite/charcoal. Repot every 12–18 months as the mix ages. We ship a well-established plant, potted and ready to thrive in your home or office.

Why you’ll love it

• Striking colour: deep crimson blooms with a bright, patterned lip

• Vigorous grower: establishes quickly and builds handsome fans of foliage

• Beginner-friendly terrestrial: thrives in a roomy pot with moisture-retentive, free-draining media

• Statement spikes: multiple showy flowers per spike for a dramatic display

• Great indoors: does well in bright, indirect light near a window

Care & culture (simple guide)

• Light: Bright, indirect light. Shield from harsh midday sun; morning or filtered light is ideal.

• Water: Keep evenly moist—never water-logged. Let the top layer just begin to dry before watering again.

• Humidity & air: Enjoys moderate humidity with gentle air movement.

• Pot & medium: Grow as a terrestrial orchid in a roomy pot. Use a rich, well-draining mix such as coco chips with a little bark/perlite/charcoal for airflow. Refresh media every 12–18 months.

• Feeding: Light, regular feeding during active growth (dilute, balanced fertilizer). Flush with plain water occasionally.

What you’ll receive

• A well-established plant in a pot with coco-chip based media, ready to grow on at home.

• Care tips included for easy success.

Placement ideas

Console tables, bright living rooms, offices, and entryways—anywhere you want a bold splash of colour and tidy, fan-leafed foliage when not in bloom.

Quick specs

• Type: Terrestrial intergeneric orchid (Calanthe × Phaius)

• Flower colour: Deep red with white-speckled lip

• Ease of care: Beginner–friendly

• Best location: Bright shade / window light indoors

FAQ

Is it like a Phalaenopsis?
Care is similar in light level, but this is a terrestrial orchid—keep it in a potting mix that holds moisture yet drains well, rather than mounting or using pure bark.

When should I repot?
When the plant fills its pot or the mix breaks down—typically every 12–18 months. Shift to one size larger; don’t over-pot.