Cleisocentron merillianum

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

As you see, I've opted to mount the plant. It was originally in a tree fern pot with moss. I looked underneath the moss for the roots and saw how stunted and ugly the roots looked. Hence my decision to mount.

But there's also a reason why the plant was originally grown in a tree fern pot with moss...

It loves water.

It's like growing a Vanda alliance version of a Pleurothallis or Lepanthes.

You can't skip a beat or the roots start shriveling. I try to not allow them to dry out at all.

They like moderate to high humidity. I think the flowers on mine had some trouble with the petals getting stuck on the sepals quite possibly because the humidity may be short a hair. I'd shoot for a humidity of about 70% - 80%.

It's mounted over a thin layer of moss, but the moss is covering the entire mount to keep from drying out too fast.

Lighting is preferably bright shade. It can take it a little brighter or a little shadier.

I have to grow it intermediate because of the humidity and water regimen. But it can take it colder.

Moderate to good air circulation is good.

I have one basal growth on mine too! What do you know!

[RenéeS]

King, thank you very much for your detailed description of the plant! This one is going on my wishlist for when I have a better growing area, I'm really impressed with this little one!! I love the tiny little flowers!
Gotta love orchid board for introducing you to new beautiful species!!

[rcb]

Thank you so much, mine is in a tree fern pot as well, and I really don't like tree fern, I was debating removing it, but the roots are so firmly grown in I was afraid to.

Well, I'm growing the same as you, so hopefully, mine will do as well as yours.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by rcb

Thank you so much, mine is in a tree fern pot as well, and I really don't like tree fern, I was debating removing it, but the roots are so firmly grown in I was afraid to.

Well, I'm growing the same as you, so hopefully, mine will do as well as yours.

Um...I think there's been a mix up.

I grow it mounted. I posted a pic of the entire plant. That's how I grow it now.

I removed all the moss, used a screwdriver and carefully pried the roots loose. I managed to get all the roots out without damage. Didn't have to totally destroy the tree fern pot either.

I'm keeping the empty tree fern pot with living moss and liverworts to grow just those two non-vascular plants.

Here is a pic of how I currently grow the Cleisocentron merrillianum. As you can see, it's growing on cork bark and lots of moss, but it's a thin layer of moss:

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

BTW, rcb, if the flowers on your Cleisocentron merrillianum have petals that get stuck on the sepals. Or if the flowers open poorly, spray the flowers with water.

I know, I know...

This piece of advice goes against the whole never spray the flowers for fear of spotting them, but trust me you won't spot them. They'll open up better if you just spray the flowers with a gentle mist every now and then.

Oh, and they're not difficult to grow. They just love water that's it.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by RenéeS

King, thank you very much for your detailed description of the plant! This one is going on my wishlist for when I have a better growing area, I'm really impressed with this little one!! I love the tiny little flowers!
Gotta love orchid board for introducing you to new beautiful species!!

You're welcome! And thank you!

I pollinated my plant so we'll see if I get seed pods.



For anyone reading - I misspelled the name in the title of the thread (I corrected the misspellings in the postings already) so if you guys are having a tough time finding pics or information, here's the correct spelling of the name:

Cleisocentron merrillianum

I apologize for any confusion.