Chiloschista segawai

General Information

Chiloschista segawai is a monopodial cool to warm growing leafless orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 35cm

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

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 13mm to 566mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 77% to 86%, highest in August and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 10C to 28C, highest in July (21C to 28C) and lowest in January (10C to 21C).

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 Cork slabs.