Introducing the Exquisite Gastrochilus japonicus – Your Ticket to a Miniature Orchid Oasis!
Native to the enchanting landscapes of Japan, Ryukyu Islands, and Taiwan, the Gastrochilus japonicus is a botanical marvel that captivates with its petite charm and vibrant blooms. In Japan, these orchids thrive on the islands of Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, Yakusima, and Sakisima, while in the Ryukyu Islands, they flourish in the mountain forests on the Nishime-dake summit, as well as on Okinawa, Ishigaki, Iriomote, and Amami-Osima. Taiwan, too, hosts these beauties in its lush forests, at elevations ranging from 500 to 2000 meters.
Exquisite Features: The Gastrochilus japonicus stands at a diminutive height of up to 8 cm, boasting a short stem enveloped by imbricating leaf bases. Its fleshy, linear-oblong leaves, measuring 5-10 cm in length and 1.0-1.5 cm in width, are a sight to behold. The orchid graces us with a fall bloom, showcasing axillary, hanging inflorescences, shorter than the leaves, with 2 to 7 densely packed flowers measuring up to 2 cm in diameter. The petals, adorned with light yellow or yellowish-green hues, feature delightful pinkish-purple spots, while the lip boasts an artistic combination of white, yellow streaks, and red dots.
Cultivating Tips:
Light: Ensure your Gastrochilus japonicus receives a light level of 20000-30000 lux, with filtered or dispersed light. Protect them from direct afternoon sunlight, and maintain a consistent, gentle air movement.
Temperature: Moderate thermal conditions are ideal, with average summer day temperatures of 25-26 °C and night temperatures of 17-18 °C. In winter, maintain daytime temperatures at 19-20 °C and night temperatures at 9-10 °C.
Humidity: Keep humidity levels at around 90% from late spring to early autumn, reducing to 80-85% for the remainder of the year.
Substrate and Repotting: Opt for tree fern flakes or loose, well-draining substrate in shallow pots. Water several times a day during hot, dry weather. Repot when new roots emerge for quick adaptation.
Watering: Moderate to heavy watering is essential during active growth. Ensure roots dry quickly after watering, adjusting the water amount when new growths mature in autumn.
Fertilizer: Feed with 1/4-1/2 of the recommended orchid fertilizer dose weekly during active growth. Enrich with nitrogen in spring to mid-summer, transitioning to phosphorus in late summer and autumn.
Rest Period: Reduce winter watering, but don't let plants go without water for extended periods. Eliminate fertilization until new growth appears, resuming regular watering in spring.
This is a blooming size in a 3" basket, about 1 to 2 years to bloom, grown from seed, limited!
Embark on a journey with the Gastrochilus japonicus, and let the elegance of this orchid transform your space into a haven of natural beauty!
