Gastrochilus calceolaris

Also known as: The Shoe or Sarcochilus nepalensis Epidendrum calceolare Aerides leopardorum Saccolabium calceolare Gastrochilus philippinensis Gastrochilus calceolaris var. biflora in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bhutan Hainan - China Nepal Philippines Sikkim - India Thailand

General Information

The Shoe is a medium sized monopodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Bhutan, China, Nepal, Philippines, India, and Thailand.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 5-30cm. Each new growth has numerous arching lance shaped, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 0.8-28cm long. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Flowers

Numerous long lasting, fragrant blossoms appear during Spring

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Blooming Season

• Spring

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Care Notes

These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 8mm to 798mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 73% to 95%, highest in July and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 5C to 22C, highest in July (18C to 22C) and lowest in January (5C to 12C).

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.

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.

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.