Ancistrochilus rothschildianus

Ancistrochilus rothschildianus is a small growing African semi-terrestrial that does well in a well drained coarse terrestrial mix. Characteristic of the small and not very well-known genus Ancisstrochilus are wide concial pseudobulbs ,up to 1.2 in/3 cm tall ,with 2-3 leaes . The short flower spikes bear 3-4 big showy flowers . The purple lip is three-lobed and extended into a narrow bent pointed protuberance. The tepals are narrow and pointed,and purplish white . Ancistrochilus rothschildianus is an epiphytic orchid that requirs similar conditions to those of the indeciduous Dendrobea- warm semi- shade, plentiful watering and fertilization in the summer ,and a temperate environment with the maximum maximum amount of light and careful reduction of misting in the winter .The flowers appear on the plant in the summer . On appearance of the new growth, the plant benefits from a repot into fresh media and while in active growth, plenty of water and fertiliser will increase the flowering on the mature bulb. The species occurs in the tropical west of Africa.