When does the spider orchid bloom? A detailed guide to its flowering period

Spider orchid: the plant body is very small, with no green leaves, and has well-developed roots. The stem is almost absent, covered with numerous brown scales. The roots are numerous, clustered, slightly flattened and curved, 2-10 cm long or longer, 0.6-1.2 mm thick, spreading in a spider-like manner and attaching to the bark of tree trunks. So when does the spider orchid bloom? What month is the spider orchid's flowering period?

According to experienced spider orchid growers, the flowering period of the spider orchid is April to July.

Origin and habitat

It often grows on tree trunks in mountain forests at an altitude of 480-800 m. It is found in northern Fujian, China (Wuyi Mountains), Taiwan, China (Nantou, Taitung and other places), Hunan (exact location unknown), northern Guangdong (Lianping), Hainan (Lingshui), northeastern Sichuan (Chengkou), and southern Yunnan (Jinghong). It is widely distributed in Sikkim, the southern Korean Peninsula, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Guinea and Australia. The type specimen was collected from Indonesia.

Growth habits

Orchids generally grow on the slopes and valley walls of deep mountains and secluded valleys, on inclined hillsides or in rock crevices with good water permeability and water retention, beside sparse mountain grass, and in the shade of secondary mixed woods. Or in places with shade, short sunlight hours, or only scattered light filtering through. In places with high air humidity and good air circulation, they sometimes also grow on cliffs beside mountain streams. Orchids are best planted in an environment with good air circulation. They are shade-loving and averse to direct sunlight, moisture-loving and averse to dryness, and grow best at 15°C to 30°C. Growth is poor above 35°C. Severe cold below 5°C will affect their growth vigor, and at this time orchids are often in a dormant state. If the temperature is too high combined with exposure to the sun, leaf scorching or withering will appear within one or two days. If the temperature is too low and they are not moved indoors in time, frost damage will occur. Orchids have fleshy roots and are suitable for sandy loam rich in humus; drainage must be good, and leaf mold or mountain soil with more humus should be used. For slightly acidic loose soil or iron-containing soil, a pH value of 5.5-6.5 is suitable.

Propagation method

It can be done in both spring and autumn, generally dividing the plant once every three years. Any plant that grows robustly and has dense pseudobulbs can be divided; after division, each cluster must retain at least 5 pseudobulbs connected together. Before division, watering should be reduced so that the potting soil is relatively dry. When potting after division, first cover the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot with broken tile pieces, then spread coarse gravel to occupy 1/5 to 1/4 of the pot's depth, then place coarse-grained soil and a small amount of fine soil, and then plant with sandy loam rich in humus. The planting depth should be such that the pseudobulbs are just buried in the soil; leave a 2 cm rim at the edge of the pot, spread Selaginella uncinata or fine gravel on top, and finally water thoroughly, place in a shaded spot for 10-15 days, keep the soil moist, gradually reduce watering, and carry out normal care.