Chysis

Chysis is a small genus of about 7 to 10 epiphytes native to Latin America.

The deciduous plants have elongated, pendulous and fat cigar-shaped pseudo bulbs that are very similar to those of Catasetums. In the wild, they grow from the lateral branches of trees.

The new growth (shoots), appear from mid spring to early summer, followed by the inflorescence which emerges from the new shoots when these are halfway grown.

The flowers are showy, bright and waxy in appearance, are fragrant (have a pleasant perfume) and can last for up to 4 weeks.

Chysis species are preferably planted in hanging baskets and are rarely mounted on fern or cork slabs, simply because it has been observed that mounted specimens remain smaller in size, unlike the specimens planted in hanging baskets that can grow out of control.

The plants require warm night temperatures, above 13°C and good humidity and need protection from the sun (must be kept out of direct sunlight) and temperatures above 30°C.

The roots grow faster after flowering.

Theoretically, the leaves will fall in autumn and the plant will sleep.

During the dormant dry resting period, overnight temperatures should be kept around 13°C and day temperatures should by just a few degrees higher.

Watering must be kept to a minimum, and misting on a regular base is sufficient to keep the pseudobulbs alive and prevent them from shrivelling. My personal observation is that not all plants loose their leaves and go dormant.

Restart watering and fertilizing when the new shoots appear.

It is always wise to read as much as you can and improve your knowledge, before you buy any plants.