Vivi's Orchid Corner

January 2005 - Volume 10, Issue 1

Not Catts – Chysis!

Dear Orchid Friends:

Chysis… at a distant glance it resembled a cattleya. Chysis – this genus is native to Tropical America (South, Central, and Mexico) and classified under Bletiinae. Several species in the genus include: Chysis aurea, Chysis bractescens, Chysis chelsonii, Chysis lemminghei, and Chysis laveris. The abbreviation of Chysis is the same as cattleyas – as in C. chelsonii, which caused a second and closer look.

The flowers do resemble cattleyas in shape, although the flowers are thick and waxy. Sepals and petals are wide and broad and the lip is fleshy and waxy. These are generally summer blooming orchids. Those that hail from South America will tend to bloom in our winter until they eventually acclimate. The various species determine flower colors: white with yellow (C. bractescens); white with purple tips (C. lemminghei); brownish yellow (C. aurea); peachy-yellow with red stripes on lip (C. chelsonii). Flower stems bear 5-8 flowers.

Pseudobulbs are club shaped and have pendant characteristics. Leaves are folded much like a fan and pseudobulbs bear several leaves.

Chysis require warmer conditions, hailing from tropical climates, and sunshine. These are deciduous orchids. Water well during the growing season. During their winter or dormant months, the leaves fall off. Decrease watering at this time and keep on the dry side. Increase the amount of watering in the spring when new growth starts.

I am glad I took the extra time to investigate this beauty. Close examination of orchids always yields interesting tidbits, as with the pictured orchid, Chysis chelsonii.

Until next time,

Vivi