Microchilus argenteus

A silver-marked terrestrial orchid from Brazil and Paraguay

Microchilus argenteus is a South American jewel orchid formerly known as Aspidogyne argentea. Its low stems carry dark leaves marked with silvery veins, while slender flower spikes rise above the foliage.

The species is native to Brazil and Paraguay, within humid woodland where small terrestrial orchids occupy shaded ground. Moss, decomposing leaves and fine roots create a loose surface over the soil, and recurring rain maintains atmospheric moisture. The patterned leaves remain close to this dim lower layer beneath shrubs and trees.

Growing a terrestrial jewel orchid

Propagation and leaf care

Microchilus argenteus grows as a low terrestrial orchid with a creeping stem. Let several nodes root securely before taking a division, and protect the soft silvered foliage from rubbing.

Substrate and roots

Use a fine, loose terrestrial-orchid medium for Microchilus argenteus, with small bark, chopped sphagnum, coir and mineral aeration. It must stay lightly moist around delicate roots while draining freely.

Light

Place Microchilus argenteus in gentle filtered daylight beside a north- or east-facing window. It can take a short period of cool early sun after gradual acclimation, but direct midday light damages the soft terrestrial foliage.

Temperature

Keep Microchilus argenteus in mild, steady, frost-free conditions, especially after watering or repotting. Protect the shallow moist root zone from cold surfaces and draughts.

Humidity and airflow

Maintain high humidity for Microchilus argenteus. Lower household levels may be workable, although they often produce dry leaf edges and inactive node roots.

Fertilising

Feed the plant sparingly with a balanced orchid fertiliser at a very low dose while the creeping stem advances. Pause when cool conditions slow water use.

Problems and solutions for Microchilus argenteus

• Elongated dark leaves carry a pale silver-green centre: The restrained central overlay and fine veining are normal for Microchilus argenteus. They should remain flat and integrated with the velvet rather than wiping away like residue.
• New growth runs sideways through the surface: This orchid expands through creeping stems and should not be forced into a tight upright rosette. Let each sound section rest on open, lightly moist medium so its nodes can root.
• Hairy flower spikes carry many exceptionally small blooms: The fine brown-and-white flowers can look insignificant beside the foliage, but a developing spike is healthy reproductive growth, not a weed or malformed stem.
• Leaf tips crisp while the medium dries hard: The fine roots have stayed dry too long. Rehydrate evenly and drain, then keep future moisture steadier without packing saturated moss around the surface stems.
• A creeping section becomes brown or translucent: Remove the decaying portion before it reaches the next rooted node. Save a firm leafy section and restart it on fresh airy medium rather than burying the stem more deeply.

Keep Microchilus argenteus away from children and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its effects after chewing or swallowing are unclear, and plant material can still cause an upset stomach.
• Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop or do not settle.

When was Microchilus argenteus first published, and what does it mean?

Microchilus combines Greek mikros, meaning small, with cheilos, meaning lip, referring to the orchid's labellum. The Latin epithet argenteus means silvery.

Carl Bořivoj Presl established the genus Microchilus in 1827 in Reliquiae Haenkeanae, volume 1, page 94.

José Mariano da Conceição Vellozo first described it as Ophrys argentea in 1831 in Flora Fluminensis, volume 9, plate 61. Eric C. Smidt and Mark Wayne Chase later placed it in Microchilus as Microchilus argenteus in 2021 in Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, volume 197, page 337.