Chiloschista parishii

Chiloschista parishii is a unique and captivating species within the Chiloschista genus. This leafless epiphytic orchid is native to Southeast Asia, including regions of Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, India, and the Himalayan foothills, where it thrives in semi-deciduous and deciduous dry lowland forests at elevations up to 700 meters.

Features:

• Growth Habit: Chiloschista parishii is an epiphytic orchid characterized by its leafless appearance for most of the year. It typically produces a few small leaves during the summer months. The plant's extensive, green, photosynthetic roots perform the essential function of photosynthesis.

• Flowers: The orchid blooms in spring, producing 10 to 20 small, fragrant flowers on a pubescent raceme. The flowers are approximately 1/4 to 3/8 inch (6–10 mm) in size and can be yellow, cream, or greenish in color, often with brown spots.

Care Tips:

• Light: Provide bright, filtered light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the plant's delicate roots.

• Temperature: Maintain warm temperatures, ideally between 70–85°F (21–29°C). The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 55°F (13°C) during winter nights.

• Humidity: High humidity is crucial. Regular misting is recommended to keep the roots moist but not waterlogged.

• Watering: Water the plant regularly, ensuring that the roots remain moist but not saturated. Allow the roots to dry slightly between waterings to prevent rot.

• Mounting: Grow the orchid mounted on smooth hardwood branches or slabs without moisture-retaining materials at the roots. Avoid using highly textured slabs like cork bark, as they can impede root health.

• Fertilization: Fertilize with a diluted orchid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can harm the plant.