Chiloschista lunifera mounted

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If lighting is not an issue, try Leptotes.

[tree1]

Ok, King_of_orchid_growing (sorry I don't know your name)

I have
a Phalaenopsis in bloom
a Aerangis citrata in bloom
a Dendrobium bellatulum (shown above)

and unfortunately I was too late and I'm still getting a Chiloschista lunifera shown here:



Now it's UK spring time. Could you tell me if when I'm saying is correct and maybe fill in the gaps

Phalaenopsis in bloom - in a see-through plastic pot, keep out of direct sunlight, water every couple of weeks increasing to every week once it's summer, feed every third time. I currently have this on a humidity tray, I don't spray.

Dendrobium bellatulum shown earlier - is this NON Nobile or Nobile? keep out of direct sunlight, this is not expected to bloom for another year. at the moment I should water but allow it to become fully dry between watering?, I should I feed it with each water. and stop feeding and watering from Nov to March

Aerangis citrata in bloom - this is currently in a pot, should be kept out of direct sunlight, how often should I water this? should I place it on a humidity tray?

and finally the Chiloschista lunifera. I know this plant was a mistake, but can you give me any advice on keeping this plant alive? I know it needs high humidity, regular watering of the roots 2-3 times a day? alow it to dry out fully before watering? how often does it need feeding in it's current state?

Also, if I was to buy a humidifier for the sake of the Chiloschista lunifera would this prove detrimental to the other Orchids?

And a big THANK YOU

[tree1]

what about keeping the Chiloschista lunifera in a small tank? but then there wouldn't be enough air circulation would there

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Phal: Look at the sticky called "The Phal abuse ends here." If there are any further questions, ask away.


Den bellatulum

It is in section Formosae.

It is not in the section Dendrobium (Den nobile is in section Dendrobium).

Yes, allow it to dry out between waterings.

This one has a dormancy that starts in late fall and lasts up to early spring.

Moderate indirect light.


Aerangis citrata

Intermediate to warm (60 F - 90 F)

Humidity (60% - 80%)

Bright shade to moderate indirect bright.

Let dry out between waterings.

Humidifier for this species is fine.


Chiloschista lunifera

Growing inside a terrarium is best. If the plant looks like the one in the photo, that's still dormant. You gotta be really careful not to over water it.

If grown in a humid terrarium type environment, watering once every 2 days during dormancy is okay, but keep your eyes on it! Don't treat what I just said as a rule, treat it as a guideline! Watch to see if the roots are starting to wrinkle or shrink or not. It's always easier to get the plant to recover when it is under watered versus over watered.

If some of the roots collapse and start to turn soft or dark, there's a good chance it was over watered.

The way you can tell if the plant has broken dormancy is if you see growing green root tips. If they're not growing, they're still dormant.

Growth rates of the roots may not always be consistent, be aware of that.

[mollycart1]

I have been following this thread. Thank you for the growing tip, Philip.

[tree1]

Thank you so much for your help. I have the plants now, the Chiloschista lunifera is the one shown in the picture. I don't know if this is sufficient but I've taken a square Tupperware box and hung the Chiloschista lunifera in there. I've filled the bottom with stones and water. Should I put some moss in there?

Does this seem OK?

Regarding watering and feeding: Should I fully submerge the plant in water when I do water it and leave it in the water for a few minutes? And should I add feed to the water once a week when I do this?

Again, I can't thank you enough for your help.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by mollycart1

I have been following this thread. Thank you for the growing tip, Philip.

No problem.

Originally Posted by tree1

Thank you so much for your help. I have the plants now, the Chiloschista lunifera is the one shown in the picture. I don't know if this is sufficient but I've taken a square Tupperware box and hung the Chiloschista lunifera in there. I've filled the bottom with stones and water. Should I put some moss in there?

Does this seem OK?

Regarding watering and feeding: Should I fully submerge the plant in water when I do water it and leave it in the water for a few minutes? And should I add feed to the water once a week when I do this?

Again, I can't thank you enough for your help.

You can spray the plant.

Fertilize once every 2 weeks during growing season at 1/2 recommended strength. Make sure the fertilizer is urea free.

The tupperware box might work. The stones, may not work quite as well. Try coconut peat instead.

[tree1]

Thanks mate, greatly appreciated. I've taken it all on board. Wish me luck. I'll keep you posted on how they're doing (if you're interested)

[tree1]

Another quick question... I've drilled a few small holes in top of my Tupperware box, should I also drill small holes in the sides just above the coconut peat?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

For drainage - sure, that'll work. Drilling a few holes on the bottom of the tupperware would be good too.