Cleisostoma subulatum

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Synonyms

Sarcanthus pugioniformis

Conservatory Greenhouse

A medium-sized, evergreen, tropical epiphytic orchid. Stem-like rhizomes are densely covered with alternate, green, leaf-bearing sheaths. Green, stout, leathery leaves are variable; from linear, 3cm wide to narrow and pencil-like. Each leaf measures approximately 13-17cm. As the new leaves appear from the tip of the stem, older, lower leaves gradually fall off. New roots emerge from the rhizomatous stems, following the ascending growing trend. Plants flower on stiff, pendulous stems up to 17cm long. Less than 1cm wide flowers open in succession. Each small, glossy flower is yellowish-green with brown-red markings and a distinctive white spur

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Moisture
Well–drained or Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Orchidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Trailing, Bushy
Genus
A genus of around 100 species of orchids, native to tropical regions of the Indian subcontinent, SE Asia, China, New Guinea and islands in the West Pacific. They have thick green leaves and upright stems which produce clusters of delicate blooms in a variety of colours
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
E Himalaya

How to Grow

Cultivation

For successful cultivation and frequent flowering, plants require high light levels and long, light days. In summer, they would benefit from being in a warm and bright greenhouse or conservatory, but direct, mid-day sun should be avoided. The shape of leaves may indicate the plant's light requirements. Wider, darker leaves prefer bright but indirect sunlight, while thinner or pencil-like leaves need larger amount of bright light. Darker tips of the roots are a sign of actively growing plant. High air humidity (70 -80%), good air circulation and regular misiting should be provided frequently when in active growth. In cooler climates with shorter days, plants may go dormant in winter. Misting may be reduced to avoid rots, but plants shouldn't be left dry for long periods. Ideal temperature range is 15°C in winter and up to 30°C during summer months. Plants can be grown in an open baskets, or in a coarse, bark-based epiphyte orchid mix. They are heavy feeders and require regular application of orchid fertiliser between spring and autumn

Propagation

Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants produce sideshoots (keiki) which may be removed and potted seperately, when the new roots (preferably 3 or more) are at least 2cm long

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Remove spent flower stems at the base. Old, ''leggy'' plants with bare stems can be cut during their active growing season to reduce the size of the plant. Cut through the rhizome, below the new developed set of aerial roots. Lowering apical dominance by laying plant horizontally, or hanging upside down will support the growth of new roots.

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insect and mealybugs. Thrips can cause damage on flowers and developing flower buds

Diseases

Generally disease-free. Poor air movement may cause bacterial or fungal rots. Good hygiene practice and sterilising cutting tools prevent the spread of virus diseases