Chysis bractescens

Base Price: $0.00

Intro:
This plant is native to Mexico, British Honduras, and Guatemala. This is an orchid with deciduous growing habits, generally growing and blooming in the spring to summer months. When the plant consists of bulbs only, it is in the resting period. The growing stage is when new growth (green foliage) begins to emerge. We are offering small plants that should bloom within the next 2 to 3 years.

Light:
This plant prefers medium light (1500 to 2000 foot-candles). It prefers brighter light while in the growing period, however one must be careful not to over-expose this plant to light as it has very thin foliage. While in the dormant growing period, this plant may be placed in slightly lower light conditions.

Temperature:
This plant prefers warm temperatures while in the growth stage (mid 70’s to mid 80’s). When dormant, slightly cooler temperatures are ideal.

Humidity:
50% or higher is ideal.

Water:
When dormant, this plant only needs enough water to keep the bulbs plump. When new growth emerges, water often with copious amounts of water. Always use clean water such as distilled water, reverse osmosis or rainwater.

Fertilizer:
We highly recommend Green Jungle Orchid Food, especially formulated to work with rain, distilled, reverse osmosis water or water low in alkalinity. Fertilize with Green Jungle every time you water.

Or, use GrowMore 20-10-20 Ureafree for municipal or well water. Use at the rate of ½ teaspoon per gallon. If using GrowMore with rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis water, add back in 5 - 10% municipal or well water to supply the necessary calcium and magnesium. Fertilize every other watering in the summer and every third watering in the winter.

Flowering:
This plant generally blooms shortly after new growth appears. Clusters of thick, large white flowers with a yellow lip make for an excellent display.

Repotting:
This plant prefers mix which allows much air movement. When potting, use a basket or clay pot with a mix such as sphagnum moss mixed with tree fern fiber. Osmumda fiber is another good potting medium.