Catasetinae Alliance: Chysis bractescens

Introducing the Exotic Chysis bractescens: A Rare Jewel for Your Collection

Native to the lush landscapes spanning Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, the Chysis bractescens stands as a testament to nature's exquisite diversity. Often found adorning the slopes of mountains, these elusive beauties thrive as epiphytes in the humid embrace of mountain forests, from altitudes as high as 1500 meters in Nicaragua to the verdant hills of El Salvador.

With its pendulous canes shrouded in delicate white sheaths, the Chysis bractescens captivates with its elegant demeanor. Its linear leaves, reaching up to 40 cm, exude a sense of grace, hinting at the floral spectacle that awaits.

In the spring, the Chysis bractescens unveils its pièce de résistance—a magnificent racemose inflorescence, boasting up to 10 waxy, fragrant flowers. Each bloom, nearly 7.5 cm in diameter, is a marvel of nature, adorned with intricate details and delicate hues. From the foliaceous bracts to the deeply indented, yellowish lip with its captivating red-brown stripes, every aspect of the flower enchants the beholder.

Cultivating Tips for Your Chysis Bractescens:

Light: Provide filtered or dispersed light, avoiding direct sun exposure in the afternoon. Aim for a light level of 20000-35000 lux to ensure optimal growth. Additionally, ensure consistent air movement to mimic its natural habitat.

Temperature: Maintain moderate temperatures, with summer averages around 27°C during the day and 20°C at night, and winter averages of 23-24°C during the day and 16-17°C at night. Aim for a daily temperature difference of 6-8°C to promote healthy growth.

Humidity: Keep humidity levels around 80% throughout the year to mimic the plant's native environment, ensuring lush foliage and vibrant blooms.

Substrate and Repotting: Opt for mounting on uneven bark or tree fern washers to mimic its natural habitat. Alternatively, choose loose, airy substrates in hanging pots or baskets to allow for rapid drying of roots. Repot only when necessary, ensuring minimal disturbance to the plant.

Watering: Water generously during active growth, ensuring roots dry quickly after watering to prevent rot. Adjust watering frequency based on environmental conditions, reducing slightly during autumn.

Fertilizer: Feed weekly with 1/4-1/2 of the recommended dose of orchid fertilizer, favoring high nitrogen content in spring and mid-summer, and phosphorus-rich fertilizer in late summer and autumn.

Rest Period: Reduce watering and fertilization in winter, allowing the plant a period of rest before the onset of spring growth.

This is a near blooming size imported bare root orchid; newly repotted in a 4" pot; about 2 to 3 years to bloom; Grown from seed; Limited!

Embrace the allure of the Chysis bractescens—a rare gem that brings the enchantment of tropical forests into your home. With proper care and attention to its unique needs, this captivating orchid will reward you with its timeless beauty season after season.