Chiloschista
Family. Orchidaceae.
Origin: Thailand, India and Burma.
Description. Chiloschista is a monopodial epiphytic miniature orchid, which is often distinguished by the complete absence of leaves. These amazing plants use long, round in cross-section, green roots for photosynthesis. Adult specimens form a low trunk, on which there are sometimes rudiments of leaves that fall off during the flowering period. Drooping long peduncles bear up to 20 charming flowers with a vanilla aroma. The color range varies from white, yellow, greenish, orange to dark burgundy and purple. Each bush throws out many peduncles.
Height. 10 - 30 cm.
Care at home
Temperature conditions
Moderately warm content. It is desirable to arrange a difference between night and day temperatures for lush flowering, for example, the temperature during the day should be 21 - 24 ° C, at night - 16 - 18 ° C. After flowering, a short period of rest begins, which the plants should spend at a temperature of 12 - 13 ° C during the day and about 8 ° C at night.
Lighting
The orchid can take sun baths in the morning and evening hours, and arrange shading during the day. Sunlight should fall on the roots of the plants. In autumn and winter, additional lighting with fluorescent lamps is possible. During flowering, light shading is necessary to increase the lifespan of the flowers.
Care
Plants require high air humidity combined with constant air movement.
Substrate
Grows well in ready-made orchid mixes with a slightly acidic pH. A soil based on pine bark, perlite, coarse sand, sphagnum moss and peat is suitable.
Feeding
Use high-nitrogen fertilizers during the active growth period and low-nitrogen fertilizers during the flowering period. Feed twice a month with a half-strength solution.
Purpose
The drooping flower stalks will please the eye when grown in a hanging pot.
Flowering time
Spring - summer, flowering period is long.
Air humidity
At least 50%. Surround the pot with a layer of damp sphagnum moss or place it on a tray with damp gravel, use a room humidifier. Misting is done in the morning hours, although this may leave unsightly whitish spots on the leaves.
Watering
In spring and summer, try to keep the soil evenly moist, but remove excess water from the tray. It is better to use bottom watering, immersing the pot with chiloschista in water for several hours. In winter, the frequency of watering is significantly reduced.
Transplantation
Young specimens are replanted every 2 years. Adults are replanted every 3 years after flowering.
Reproduction
It reproduces only by seeds, but certain temperature conditions and humidity are required for seedlings to appear.
Pests and diseases
The plant can get sunburned if exposed to sunlight for a long time. Rot occurs due to overwatering and insufficient drainage.
May be susceptible to attack by mealybugs, aphids and whiteflies.