Chiloschista lunifera mounted - Orchid Board

tree1 · #1 03-26-2011, 07:33 PM

Hi guys, I've just started experimenting with orchids, and I've finally taken the plunge and bought my first mounted Chiloschista lunifera.

I'm really looking for some simple advice.

The plant is not flowering... it's spring time in the UK... it's mounted on cork... I'm going to be hanging it in a warmish room in front of a netted window.

Should I give it a very heavy spraying twice a day? Or more?

How often should I use fertilizer at this stage?

Does the entire cork and plant need submerging in water at any point?

Sorry to barge in, this is my first post but I wanted to have something to say before I said anything.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #2 03-26-2011, 08:42 PM

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer for such a challenging plant to grow.

Jumping into growing mounted orchids for the first time with this species is more of a leap than a jump by most people's standards.

Is there a pic of the plant?

How long have you had it for?

Were you aware that this species goes through a dormancy during the winter months? While it should never be grown completely dry, it has to be grown drier than during the growing season.

Chiloschistas can rot due to over watering very easily.

It becomes desiccated under low humidity and conditions that are too dry, very quickly and very easily.

This plant should be grown:

Intermediate - warm (60 F - 95 F)

Bright shade - moderate indirect light

Moderate to high relative humidity (60% - 85%).

Moderate air circulation

Blooming season for this species may actually be during mid to late spring through early summer.

It can produce a rudimentary leaf.

tree1 · #3 03-27-2011, 05:48 AM

I haven't received the plant yet, I've said I don't want it. I'd hate to see it die. I was going against my better judgment when I bought it.

Thanks for your reply!!!

tree1 · #4 03-27-2011, 06:03 AM

How would you rate the Aerangis citrata as a beginner plant?

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #5 03-27-2011, 10:52 AM

No problem.

Aerangis citrata is much easier to grow than Chiloschista lunifera.

tree1 · #6 03-27-2011, 12:29 PM

Hi again... I have seen a young potted Dendrobium bellatulum which is meant to flower in the next 12 - 18 months. I really love the flower and I'll probably get it anyway. I'd really like to mount it but would I have success in mounting it?

If I mount it is there a good time to do this? Would I be better waiting until it is older? Of could I buy and mount it now?