Anoectochilus

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. India, Sri Lanka and Japan south to Malaysia and east to New Guinea, Australia and some Pacific islands. 

Description. Anoectochilus belongs to the precious orchids. Most anoectochilus are small terrestrial evergreen or deciduous orchids, but few are lithophytes. The rhizome is succulent, terrestrial, creeping. The short, relatively wide leaves are velvety, collected in a rosette, thin, petiolate, solid green or brownish-violet, sometimes with intricate colorful silver or copper-red veins. The inflorescence is spike-shaped, short, appears from the center of the leaf rosette. The flowers are relatively large, showy, often short-lived, green, brown, white or pinkish, pubescent on the outside. The bracts are narrow. The sepals and petals form the hood.

Spurs with curved edges, thin petals. The flowers are not particularly remarkable - the plants are valued mainly for their beautiful patterned leaves.

Height. Up to 30 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

Anoectochilus prefers temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. 

Lighting

Keep plants in the shade.

Care

Caring for these orchids is not easy and they are more suitable for growing by experienced gardeners.

Substrate for orchids

Grows in well-drained hilly areas with thick humus, soil pH from 5.5 to 6, indoors in well-drained soil consisting of sand, spruce bark, perlite and humus. 

Feeding

An orchid in a pot has a limited feeding area and needs additional feeding, which is carried out twice a month during the growing season.

Purpose

Very miniature plants are ideal candidates for even the smallest terrariums.

Flowering time

Spring - summer, blooms for a long time - up to 1 - 2 months.

Air humidity

Very high - up to 80 percent, preferably grown in a greenhouse or greenhouse. Spraying is undesirable - spots may remain on the leaves. Use a room humidifier or place the pot on a tray of damp pebbles. 

Watering

These flowers love moisture, but ensure good drainage and aeration around the roots, allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and water only with softened water.

Orchid transplant

If necessary, in the spring they are transferred to a wide, but not deep container. Pots for planting orchids should have large drainage holes.

Orchid propagation

Cuttings should be cut with a sterile knife, and the cut area should be sprinkled with crushed charcoal and dried before planting. 

Pests and diseases

Rust and leaf spot.  If not kept correctly, aphids, mealybugs and scale insects.