Chiloschista fasciata

Also known as: Sarcochilus minimifolius Thrixspermum minimifolium Sarcochilus fasciatus Chiloschista minimifolia Sarcochilus wightii Chiloschista usnoides in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Central Province - Sri Lanka India

General Information

Chiloschista fasciata is a monopodial warm to hot growing epiphytic leafless orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Sri Lanka and India.

Plant Description

Monopodial

Substrate(s)

• Bark

Care Notes

This orchid is leafless so does best mounted, watering daily during warmer months and not so often during the cool months. Keep humidity high at all times to prevent roots from dying back, and provide gentle airflow to ensure that the roots do not gather mould and rot in cool weather. Because of their velamin coating the roots can withstand plenty of light, however it's best to keep them in the shade during hot weather so that the roots do not overheat.

Climate

hot-forest-orchids Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 61mm to 196mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in February. Temperature ranges from 17C to 30C, highest in April (23C to 30C) and lowest in January (17C to 26C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a constant supply of moisture, with a slight drying out between waterings. Saucers can be placed under pots to retain moisture during hot weather, however the saucers should be removed or let to dry every 1-2 weeks to prevent rot. Keep an eye on the plant especially in hot weather and look for cues of under/overwatering and adjust accordingly.

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.

This plant does well mounted to Tree trunks, Fern slabs or Cork slabs.