Need info on Chiloschista - Orchid Board

Stray59 · #1 03-03-2015, 10:51 PM

Hello everyone!
I recently purchased three varieties of Chiloschista; unsenoides, lunifera and a hybird, 'Freckle Face' (Chsch. sweelimii x Chsch. segawai). The lunifera and the hybrid are being held in the greenhouse, waiting for the weather to break.
I have mounted the Chsch. unsenoides on a cork bark slab, but I have read that they may like smoother surfaces. When I got it, the seller had just wrapped some long-strand coco-fiber in plastic mesh and the plant was just growing on that. It was very easy to remove and mount and I was going to post a pic of it, when I realized it is throwing a bloom spike (tiny little node on the left of side of the crown.
I have it in a odd sort of terrarium set up with a ultrasonic humidifier that is timed to fill the terrarium with heavy mist of RO water three times a day; I have a LOT of air movement with a small desk fan pushing fresh air in. I drench the plants about once a week. It is not a pro set-up in the least, but it seems to be working, until I can get my bigger&better terrarium up and going.
Has anyone else had any experience with this species? I placed a very small amount of spag. moss beneath the roots, but I am not sure if this is a good or bad thing.
Input? Any info is appreciated.
Thanks!!!
Thanks!

tropterrarium · #2 03-04-2015, 12:36 AM

I have about 3 species growing, two in spike right now. You obviously got the specimen from aaorchids, typical mount for them and also their new label style. I have two growing on wood shingle, but they do not attach too readily, I would rather go for bark, with a bit more structure. The Taeniophyllum species I got recently (also a leafless genus) looked more like going into the medium, so mounted it on tree fern.

Re temperature, I have a couple growing in intermediate GH, one in warm terrarium. RH about 70-80% constant, watered every day with RO water, fertilized with Klite. Your plant looks healthy to me, so keep doing what you are.

Stray59 · #3 03-04-2015, 01:24 AM

Thanks so much tropterrarium - and you have a good eye - it was from aaorchids; the other two come from a dealer in Louisianna, already mounted on cypress plaques, in bloom for around $30.00 ea. I have never tried these before and they have always fascinated and sort of mystified me, so I went for them. I did try a small flask of Dendrophylax lindenii seedlings - total fail. But the set up I am using is giving me good results with other species, especially my Sophronitis.
And I just looked up Taeniophyllum - very cool! I'll have to look into those later on, if these make it!
Thanks for the tip - if this bloom spike develops, I'll be posting some pics!

tropterrarium · #4 03-04-2015, 10:21 AM

I got the Taeniophyllum from Katai/Pharo. I think she well be at SBIOS in a couple of weeks, so either stop by, or you can do a mail-order if interested.

Romeomffn · #5 03-04-2015, 11:37 AM

the other two come from a dealer in Louisianna, already mounted on cypress plaques, in bloom for around $30.00 ea.

LOC is a pretty good source of healthy Chilos. I have a small tank full of Chilochistas, Dendrophylax Funalis, Taeniophyllum, and Microcoelias. Misting daily, 65 - 80 temps East facing window plus bright CFL bulb for 8 hours a day. I'm seeing consistent growth.

I did try a small flask of Dendrophylax lindenii seedlings - total fail.
Where did you get them from? I'm hoping to try my hand at these again.

Stray59 · #6 03-04-2015, 11:53 AM

tropterrium;
I am unaware of the seller you mentioned. How would I find him/her online to look at what they have to offer or to purchase?
Thanks!

---------- Post added at 10:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:42 AM ----------

Romeomffn:
I will have to look at my purchase history on Ebay to find the seller. I purchased a small flask of about 10 plants, and I was having relatively good luck with them being new transplants, but then my Mom entered the end-stage of her cancer and I was spending a lot of time with her and Dad. During my absence, I lost all the Dendrophylax and about 2/3 of my collection overall, as there was no one that could care for them. Then Dad got ill and passed a year later, so for the last three years I have been practically orchid-less as only about 3, out of close to 50 plants, survived the neglect.
So now I am getting back into collecting and have been fortunate to find some reliable sellers on Ebay with some great species.
I really appreciate your input and will probably be hitting you up for more advice as I go along.
Thanks!

Romeomffn · #7 03-04-2015, 12:02 PM

LOC is Louisiana Orchid Connection from which you probably got the Chilochistas from Ebay. I've been picking up a number of plants from him. PM me whenever. I have several ebay sellers that I have come to trust with the quality and health of their plants as well as good customer service. Lots of luck to you. I am in the same boat as you. I have just started back up since November of last year when I've lost every orchid I've owned due to continued moving.

tropterrarium · #8 03-04-2015, 12:08 PM

Hi Stray,

Katai/Pharo Orchids is from Thailand (easy to google). You can e-mail her at katai2497@gmail.com. Not sure how quickly she responds, but worth a try. Her specimen was mislabeled Tachiophyllum or something like that, but if you tell her "miniature leafless" there are few others starting with T.

SBIOS is in a couple of weeks, and many vendors will ship from shows to other places in the country. I've done that with aaorchids and some others previously.

Peter Lin in Diamondbar (easy to google him) is quite into Chiloschista, and an EXQUISITE grower (and AOS judge). He may have extras, know sources, or give culturing info.

Good luck!

Romeomffn · #9 03-04-2015, 01:37 PM

I agree with Tropterrarium! Katai has boatloads of Chilochistas too and Peter always has great orchids.

Stray59 · #10 03-04-2015, 02:14 PM

Thank you both so much - I have splurged so much lately I am having to limit my Ebay time! Funny how I will choose to eat bologna and cheese for a couple of weeks, if it means I can get a species I really want!
Well, at least I have the bologna and cheese to eat.....
I will check into the sources you have provided and recommended and, Romeomffn, if I find any Dendrophylax lindenii offered during any of my many web searches, I will let you know.
Thanks!