Habitat:
Cleisocentron malipoense is native to southeastern Yunnan Province in China and adjacent regions of northern Vietnam, where it occurs in subtropical to montane evergreen forests. It is typically found at elevations between 1300 and 2000 metres, growing epiphytically on moss-covered branches and trunks of trees in areas of persistent humidity, frequent fog, and filtered light. The species is often associated with cloud forests, where it thrives in cool, moist, and shaded microclimates with rich epiphytic diversity.
 
Description:
Cleisocentron malipoense is a compact epiphytic orchid with short stems that form small clumps. The leathery, terete leaves are cylindrical, dark green, and 6–10 cm long, giving the plant a somewhat grass-like appearance. Inflorescences are short, arising from the leaf axils, and bear one to several waxy flowers. The flowers measure about 1.5 to 2 cm across, and are an intense pale violet-blue, with sepals and petals nearly equal in size, narrowly elliptic to lanceolate. The lip is small and entire, and the column is short and broad.
 
Cultivation:
Cleisocentron malipoense prefers cool to intermediate conditions, with daytime temperatures between 18°C and 24°C and nighttime lows of 10°C to 14°C. It requires high humidity (above 75%) and good air circulation. Provide bright, indirect light or light shade. This species thrives in slightly acidic media (pH 5.5–6.2) and benefits from being grown mounted on cork or tree fern, or in small baskets with fine bark and sphagnum moss. Water regularly with rainwater or distilled water to maintain even moisture. Fertilise lightly every two to three weeks during active growth using a balanced orchid fertiliser.
 
Specifications:
Plant Size: Plants with upwards of six leaves. Deflasked early in 2025 as almost adult plants
Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Passport: Cleisocentron malipoense B 140084 C [user input] D GB