Introducing Anoectochilus brevilabris, a captivating Jewel Orchid that stands out with its unique lace-like veining. This less common variety hails from the eastern Himalayas and Assam, India, thriving at elevations between 900 to 1500 meters. With its small size and preference for warm to cool growing conditions, this epiphyte boasts a loose rosette of velvety, maroon to garnet base leaves adorned with intricate gold to copper reticulation.
The foliage of Anoectochilus brevilabris is a spectacle on its own, showcasing a matte-red green underside that adds to its allure. This slow-growing jewel orchid blooms from summer through mid-fall, unveiling delicate white flowers on a 7.2-inch (18 cm) long, pubescent inflorescence.
Cultivating Tips: Anoectochilus brevilabris is a joy to cultivate, offering both beauty and ease of care. Here's how you can ensure its optimal growth:
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Light: Place your Jewel Orchid in a warm position with medium to low filtered light. This will prevent it from becoming overly leggy and maintain its vibrant coloration.
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Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, avoiding extremes of dryness or saturation. Watering is crucial for this orchid, so monitor the moisture levels consistently.
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Soil: When repotting (preferably during the next growing season), use a free-draining premium orchid bark mix or tree fern fiber. This will provide the orchid with the well-aerated environment it thrives in.
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Fertilization: During the growing season, fertilize with a half-strength orchid fertilizer or seaweed solution. This will support the orchid's health and contribute to its stunning foliage.
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Humidity: While Anoectochilus brevilabris appreciates a bit of extra humidity, it's not a necessity. If possible, provide a humid environment to enhance its overall well-being.
This is a small single growth, young plant potted in a 2" pot. These plants are young seedlings, propagated through tissue culture, these plants have been hardened off to ensure their resilience. Given the rarity and uncommon availability of this species, the price reflects its unique value, making it a prized addition to any orchid collection.
This jewel orchid is a delightful addition to any collection, offering not only remarkable aesthetics with its fine lace-like veining but also the pleasure of witnessing sweet little white flowers in the spring. Anoectochilus brevilabris is an enchanting and easy-to-care-for orchid that will surely capture the hearts of orchid enthusiasts and collectors alike.
