gastrochilus-monticola

Representatives of the genus Gastrochilus do not form pseudobulbs- their morphology somewhat resembles orchids of the genus Vanda. The stiff and sometimes lignifying stem is shortened in some species ,or intensely elongated in other species. The inflorescence is always shorter than the tough leaves arranged in two raws,and it grows from their armpits . The spike of G.monticola reaches a length of 8 in /20 cm and bears purplish brown ,0.6-in /1.5 -cm -large flowers with a decorative white lip. Some 3-5 flowers from a shortened inflorescence. The plant needs plenty of diffused light and ventilation . The best way of growing it is epiphytically on a bare wooden support . During the vegitation period ,it requires plentiful watering that should be slightly reduced in the winter time. The species does not bloom regularly in culture-if it does ,it blooms in the fall. It comes from Burma ,Thailand ,Laos and other countries in southeastern Asia.