Cleisostoma schlechteri
A medium to large-sized, evergreen, tropical epiphytic orchid. Stem-like rhizomes are densely covered with alternate, green, leaf-bearing sheaths. Green or dark green, linear leathery leaves are up to 17cm long and 3-4cm wide. As the new leaves appear from the top of the stem, older, lower leaves gradually fall off. New roots emerge from the stem, following the ascending growing trend. Flowering stems are up to 50cm long, pendulous and branched, carrying large number of tiny, yellowish green flowers with a distinctive white spur.
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Brown White Yellow Green | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing, Bushy
- Genus
A genus of around 100 species of orchids, native to tropical regions of the Indian subcontinent, SE Asia, China, New Guinea and islands in the West Pacific. They have thick green leaves and upright stems which produce clusters of delicate blooms in a variety of colours
- Name status
Unresolved
- Plant range
- New Guinea
How to grow
Cultivation
For successful cultivation and frequent flowering, plants require high light levels and long, light days. In summer, they would benefit from being in a warm and bright greenhouse or conservatory, but direct, mid-day sun should be avoided. The shape of leaves may indicate the plant's light requirements. Wider, darker leaves prefer bright but indirect sunlight, while thinner or pencil-like leaves need larger amount of bright light. Darker tips of the roots are a sign of actively growing plant. High air humidity (70 -80%), good air circulation and regular misiting should be provided frequently when in active growth. In cooler climates with shorter days, plants may go dormant in winter. Misting may be reduced to avoid rots, but plants shouldn't be left dry for long periods. Ideal temperature range is 15°C in winter and up to 30°C during summer months. Plants can be grown in an open baskets, or in a coarse, bark-based epiphyte orchid mix. They are heavy feeders and require regular application of orchid fertiliser between spring and autumn.
Propagation
Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants produce sideshoots (keiki) which may be removed and potted separately, when the new roots (preferably 3 or more) are at least 2cm long.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Remove spent flower stems at the base. Old, ''leggy'' plants with bare stems can be cut during their active growing season to reduce the size of the plant. Cut through the rhizome, below the new developed set of aerial roots. Lowering apical dominance by laying plant horizontally, or hanging upside down will support the growth of new roots.
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insect and mealybugs. Thrips can cause damage on flowers and developing flower buds.
Diseases
Generally disease-free. Poor air movement may cause bacterial of fungal rots. Good hygiene practice and sterilising cutting tools prevent the spread of virus diseases.
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