About
Cleisostoma filiforme is an evergreen, tropical epiphytic orchid that can range in size from small to large. Its slender, stem-like rhizomes are densely packed with alternating sheaths that bear green leaves. The leaves are narrow, resembling pencils, approximately 0.5 cm in width, with varying lengths. During the summer, the plant produces pendulous, arching inflorescences that can reach lengths of up to 25 cm, each bearing as many as thirty small, glossy flowers. Each blossom measures between 1 and 1.2 cm across, featuring petals and sepals in shades of brown-red or burgundy, while the center displays a yellow hue. The lip of the flower is white with a hint of pink.
About the genus
This genus comprises approximately 100 species of orchids found in the tropical areas of the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, China, New Guinea, and various islands in the western Pacific. Characterized by robust green foliage and erect stems, these plants bear clusters of fine flowers that come in a range of colors.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1C
Plant details
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
Care notes
- 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 misting 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 basket, or in a coarse, bark-based epiphyte orchid mix. They are heavy feeders and require regular application of orchid fertiliser between spring and autumn
- 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
- Propagation
- Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants produce sideshoots (keiki) which may be removed and potted separately, when the new roots (preferably 3 or more) are at least 2cm long.
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insect and mealybugs. Thrips can cause damage on flowers and developing flower buds
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free. Poor air movement may cause bacterial of fungal rots. Good hygiene practice and sterilising cutting tools prevent the spread of virus diseases