Corybas sinii

Corybas sinii is a miniature helmet orchid native to China, including Guangxi, Yunnan, and central Taiwan. It belongs to the genus Corybas within the subtribe Acianthinae. These orchids are very small, reaching only a few centimeters in height. Corybas sinii grows on mossy ground or decaying wood in moist, shady forest habitats, particularly along the slopes of the Gaoligong Mountains.

Features:

• Underground ovoid tubers, replacing conventional roots.

• Short, upright stems atop which sits a single, basal leaf.

• A lone, resupinate flower with a dominating dorsal sepal that forms a hood over the rest of the bloom.

Care Tips:

• Light Exposure
  Keep under indirect or partial shade, mirroring its natural understory forest setting.

• Temperature Range
  Ideal temperature between 15 °C to 25 °C (59–77 °F).

• Humidity
  Requires high humidity, preferably above 60%, to simulate the damp forest floor.

• Substrate
  Use a well-draining, organic-rich, slightly acidic to neutral medium (pH 6.0–7.0) that retains moisture but avoids waterlogging.

• Watering Strategy
  Keep the substrate consistently moist without letting it become soggy; water when the top inch of soil begins to dry.

• Feeding
  Apply a balanced, diluted orchid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the active growing season (spring through summer).

• Pruning & Airflow
  Remove any dead or decaying foliage regularly to promote airflow and reduce disease risk.

• Propagation Methods

  • Division of rhizomes: Best performed in early spring—ensure each division has healthy root structures.

  • Seed propagation: Requires sterile techniques, high humidity, and warm conditions. Germination is slow, often requiring weeks to months.