The ghost type orchids always intrigued me and I finally snagged a Chiloschista lunifera aka the Asian Ghost which is purported to be a native of Thailand. I expected a small, sprawling mass of fairly fat, green and white roots and wasn't disappointed. It really resembles a long-legged, sprawling, green tarantula walking across an enameled, honeycomb, wire mesh.

The really interesting thing is that near dead center, it's got a bifoliate growth of approx 2cm leaves that surprised me. I'm curious if other Ghost growers have seen this on their plants occasionally and considered normal. Could it be a pre-cursor to blooming as a form of bud production?

Another question that comes to mind is...since it's on mesh only and humidity sensitive, should I mount it to something that can retain a bit of moisture? I was thinking perhaps to attach it to a cork mount with a layer of spag sandwiched in between. Any thoughts on this or any other culture for it?

Minute leaves on these guys is usual for part of the year, although some species have leaves that are almost scale-like they are so small.

Chiloschistas grow well on a piece of mesh, just spray it with water every day and it should prosper. Once a week you can submerge it in water for a few minutes if you are worried it isn't getting enough water. I would worry about rot on a mount with sphagnum as they seem to like to be moist for only a couple hours at most and then dry for at least a day. As I'm sure you've already noticed they turn quite green when moist and silvery-grey when dry so it is easy to know when to water them.

Given these conditions I've found the one I've got grows quite well, as do semi-leafless species of Phals like lowii. I give mine bright light like I would give a Vanda, although I wouldn't be at all surprised if they would enjoy lower "phalaenopsis light" as well. They are fun and interesting little plants and one of these days I wouldn't mind having a good size collection of them.

Jon

I tell you what Jon....You rock! What a plethora of knowledge! I had to go an look this genera up...Now I want one! Nah too mcuh work for mee.....

yeah.....I wanted on too, but more work than I have time :cry: