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Helmet Orchids (Corybas himalaicus)

Helmet Orchids (Corybas himalaicus)

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Corybas himalaicus (King & Pantl.) Schltr. (1923) is a miniature terrestrial orchid in the genus Corybas, commonly known as helmet orchids. It grows on moist vertical rocks or moss-covered fallen wood at high elevations of 2,600–3,040 meters, and is distributed across the eastern Himalayas, Assam, Vietnam, western Sichuan and Yunnan in China, as well as Taiwan.

Features:

  • Size & Structure: Extremely small—only about 4–5 cm tall. It features a hairy, globose tuber, a short hairless stem with a basal sheath, and a single sessile, heart-shaped leaf, usually just beneath the flower.

  • Flower Morphology:

    • Exhibits a solitary flower with no petals—unique in its region—for example, Sikkim–Himalaya orchids.

    • The dorsal sepal is helmet-like, blunt, concave, and arches over the flower.

    • The lateral sepals are very narrow (filiform) and positioned between two small cylindrical spurs at the base of the labellum.

    • The labellum (lip) is oblong, longer than the dorsal sepal, with its base convoluted and two straight spurs—distinctive and characteristic of the species.

  • Flower size is about 0.6 inches (1.5 cm).

Care Tips:

  • Watering

    • Provide approximately 0.5 cups of water every 9 days when the plant is in a 5-inch pot and not in direct sunlight.

    • Let the soil slightly dry between waterings, since this orchid is highly sensitive to overwatering and root rot.

  • Light Requirements

    • Place the orchid within 3 feet of a south-facing window, ensuring it receives bright but indirect light.

    • Lack of sufficient sunlight may lead to leaf drop.

  • Potting Medium & Drainage

    • Use a well-draining mix—commonly a blend of moss, wood chips, lava rock, or similar components—to mimic its natural habitat of moist rock faces and mossy substrates.

  • Humidity & Microclimate

    • These orchids respond well to high humidity. Many growers recommend keeping the plant in a closed container or a plastic bag to maintain a humid micro-environment.

  • Resting Season & Leaf Care

    • At the end of the growing season, when leaves or flowers start to die back, trim off dying parts promptly to prevent rot.

  • Repotting & Fertilization

    • Most potting mixes initially provide sufficient nutrients. Repot the plant either once a year or when the plant has doubled in size—whichever comes first—to refresh the growing medium and nutrients.

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