Need help (lots of it) with Chiloschista guangdongensis.

[sarraceniac]

I am very excited because a colleague from my working days and current friend has just emailed me. He is at a conference in China and wanted to bring me a present back. Knowing that I have at long last recently revived my dormant interest in orchids he took advice there and is bringing me back a Chiloschista guandongensis. Very kind and lucky me (I think).

BUT I haven't a clue. Looking round here and the www in general, I gather that this is a leafless epiphyte of the kind I wouldn't dream of attempting for myself for a year or two if I had to buy it. I suppose that that is what the best presents are about. Unfortunately I have no idea on humidity, water requirements, temperature, that is growing conditions in general, and the web is deafening in its silence for the (very) amateur grower. Found a few references on here, mainly from San, but what I need are some basic facts about it so I don't kill it before our friends come round for dinner. So to avoid total embarassment HELP please.

[rich63]

John, I do not want to rain on your parade, but do you know what type of paperwork or permits you would need to import any plants from China? You will really need to look into this before your friend tries to bring you back something, that could be taken away at Customs. I myself don't know the answer to these issues, I have seen this subject be brought up before. It may not be a easy as you would hope. Good Luck, Rich

[sarraceniac]

Already checked. UK customs laws allow the import of plants from nearly anywhere in the world as long as the paperwork is in order (it will be) and it is not an illegal-to-grow plant or on a 'banned' list or (quote) 'endangered animals or plants - see section below 'souvenirs from endangered species' (unquote). I have bought many plants before from many countries. For example I can bring plants (non-food) in from the States or Australia but can't send them there (particularly Australia). As the Chiloschista is not endangered it is allowed. I also doubt if customs will be searching my friend. He has diplomatic immunity but will have checked this out when he took advice because he wouldn't break the law. Thanks for your concern but our import laws are very loose (many say lax). We don't ban things until they go wrong, a hangover from the days of empire I suppose.

[lanhua]

John, don't forget, that internet is available for everyone one. Be carefully
I doubt, your friend could buy in Beijing an Chiloschista guandongensis, but independent on, plant of this genus are difficult in the culture As the name say, this species is native to Guandong province in South China, but the growing area is in the north part of this province on the boarder to Gueizhou province. Temperature in Winter goes down to 5 °C or less in sommer up to 35 °C. You can find in internet for sure more information about climate in the region.
Few week ago I've posted a pictures of flowering Chiloschista guandongensis.

[sarraceniac]

Well my Chiloschista arrived today and I still have no real idea about growing it in artificial conditions. Nor has anybody else apparently. So I am just going to mount it on a coir slab with some coir and sphagnum topping to hold it firm and grow it in intermediate everything, heat, light, and water but from research, high humidity. Watch this space for a couple of years and I will keep you informed. Not worth posting a picture yet because who wants a picture of a cubic inch of tangled roots? Lol.

[lanhua]

yes, I would like to see an picture. Remark, don't put any sphagnum in between slab and plant. Chiloschista is growing just on the bark. High humidity and don't keep the plant to dark. It like sunshine.