Chiloschista shanica outcross 5866 (approximately 25 seedlings per flask).

The Species: Chiloschista shanica is a recently described species from the China/Myanmar border. This is an outcross of 2 of the 4 plants I received at one time. Chiloschista species are leafless orchids that photosynthesize through the roots. It is a high elevation species and needs a cool, drier winter. It does have a very pleasant fragrance and the flowers last quite well. It is from a monsoon climate, so a dry winter is important. Even during the winter, there is some moisture available from dew and mist. 

Culture: I have been growing these in a cool greenhouse (50F minimum nights) mounted on wood with no moisture retentive material at the roots with very good humidity. It has been in moderate to moderately bright light. It is watered and fertilizer through the growing season and given light mistings during the winter. I have been growing some of the deflasked seedlings in warmer conditions and they do well.

Parents: Chiloschista shanica. I didn’t keep great records of the plants I used in the cross. The first 2 images are ones I photographed at the first blooming. They may or may not be the parents, but they are from the same importation and show the species well. The mounted plant was a first blooming so not as many flowers as a more mature plant. The 4th image is ofa spike from a more mature plant.