Cleisostoma tenuifolium

Also known as: The Delicate Leafed Cleisostoma or Sarcochilus tenuifolius Sarcanthus peninsularis Sarcanthus tenuifolius Saccolabium peninsulare Aerides tenuifolia Cleisostoma pauciflorum Gastrochilus acuminatus in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: India

General Information

The Delicate Leafed Cleisostoma is a monopodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to India.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 10-20cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery oblong shaped leaves that grow to 0.7-15cm long. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Summer

Blooming Season

• Summer

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Charcoal

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 841mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 71% to 91%, highest in July and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 19C to 30C, highest in April (23C to 30C) and lowest in January (19C to 25C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

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.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. 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 very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.