Odontochilus

Description

Odontochilus is a genus of orchids found in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. It belongs to the family Orchidaceae, which is one of the largest plant families in the world. The name Odontochilus comes from the Greek words “odontos,” meaning tooth, and “cheilos,” meaning lip, which refers to the tooth-like projections on the lip of the flowers.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Odontochilus orchids are small to medium-sized epiphytes or lithophytes with flattened pseudobulbs. The leaves are usually oblong or elliptic, and the flowers are borne on an inflorescence that arises from the base of the pseudobulb. The flowers are usually small, but they are colorful and have a distinctive lip with tooth-like projections. The colors of the flowers range from white, yellow, pink, red, to purple.

Care Guide

Odontochilus orchids require moderate care and attention to thrive. Here are some tips for their care:

• Water: These orchids prefer to be kept moist, but not wet. Water them once a week, or when the potting mix feels dry to the touch.
• Fertilization: Feed them with a balanced orchid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
• Soil: They prefer a well-aerated potting mix that is rich in organic matter. Use a mix of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite.
• Sunlight: They prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
• Hardiness Zones: They thrive in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Odontochilus orchids are susceptible to pests and diseases, such as:

• Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause damage to leaves, flowers, and buds. Use a miticide to control them.
• Mealybugs: These pests can be found on the leaves and stems of the orchid. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove them.
• Root rot: This is a common disease that occurs when the roots are overwatered. To prevent it, make sure the potting mix is well-draining and not too wet.

Habitat

Odontochilus orchids are found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. They grow in a variety of habitats, such as rainforests, montane forests, and mangrove swamps. They are usually epiphytes, which means they grow on trees, but they can also be lithophytes, which means they grow on rocks.

Question and Answer

Q: How do I propagate Odontochilus orchids?

A: You can propagate Odontochilus orchids by division. Wait until the orchid has finished flowering, then carefully remove it from its pot. Gently separate the pseudobulbs and roots, making sure each division has at least one pseudobulb and a few healthy roots. Plant each division in a separate pot with fresh potting mix.

Q: How often should I repot my Odontochilus orchids?

A: You should repot your Odontochilus orchids every two years, or when the potting mix has broken down and become compacted. Repot them in fresh potting mix, and make sure the pot is not too big.

Q: Do Odontochilus orchids have any medicinal properties?

A: Some species of Odontochilus orchids have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as fever, cough, and inflammation. However, more research is needed to determine their efficacy and safety.

Q: Can I grow Odontochilus orchids indoors?

A: Yes, Odontochilus orchids can be grown indoors as long as they receive bright, indirect light and are kept in a well-aerated potting mix. They can also benefit from a humidifier or a tray of water placed near the orchid.

Related Plants

• Bulbophyllum
• Dendrobium
• Laelia
• Miltoniopsis
• Oncidium

References

• “Odontochilus.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Accessed 25 May 2021.
• Pridgeon, A.M., et al. (eds.). 2014. Genera Orchidacearum Volume 6: Epidendroideae (Part 3). Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK.
• Sheehan, T.J. and J.H. Sheehan. 1994. “Odontochilus.” Orchid Genera Illustrated, Timber Press, Portland, Oregon. pp. 401-403.