Care tips for the unusual Brassia orchid

The Brassia orchid is one of the most popular houseplants. It's difficult to care for, but incredibly beautiful when in bloom. There are a huge number of orchid species in the wild, including Brassia, Cattleya, Lycaste, and many others. Brassia is a perennial plant. It stands out from other orchids because of its unusual buds. Their shape is unlike that of other varieties, giving rise to the plant's nickname, "spider orchid."

Description and varieties

The plant is typically yellow. The tonal shades vary. Unique, raised brownish blotches can be seen on the surface. There are species with brown buds and greenish-yellow spots on top. The shade is variable, and inflorescences can range from chocolate-colored with pale greenish blotches, and vice versa. The base color can be light green with chocolate-colored spots. This orchid can produce up to 15 inflorescences at a time.

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Brassias are extremely diverse. Scientists say they count over fifty varieties. Examples include:

1. Brassia maculata. This flower's buds are much larger than the others, and they're bright yellow with dark red flecks. They smell faintly of vanilla.
2. There's also the Brassia verrucosa. This orchid species is considered a common choice among home gardeners. The plant grows no more than half a meter in height and has yellow-green flowers.
3. Brassia Toscana is the most picturesque of all varieties. Ideal for growing indoors, this Brassia is virtually disease-resistant.
4. Brassia Summer Dream. This orchid has pale yellow flowers, no larger than 15 cm, but very beautiful when in bloom.
5. Brassia reginae. The flowers resemble small stars and cover the plant in abundance.

Brassia Orchid: Home Care

Many Brassia orchids are grown and bloom only on an industrial scale, but some have mastered caring for them at home. As we know, orchids are difficult to care for, and Brassia orchids are even more so. They are challenging because they have a distinctive scent that not everyone can appreciate. Growing them at home requires special seeds, as well as proper conditions, such as soil and fertilizer.

When repotting, divide an overgrown plant, if it consists of several pseudobulbs, into 2-3 sections. Each section should contain 2-3 young tuberidia. Use a disinfected instrument to cut the rhizome to prevent the introduction of fungal spores or infections into the wounds. Wash the cut areas with an antiseptic or potassium permanganate solution. A special antifungal agent can be used. After treatment, sprinkle the plant with crushed charcoal, which can be replaced with cinnamon. Plant the divisions in separate containers, following the general rules for repotting mature Brassias.

Lighting isn't a problem for orchids. Everyone knows they love sunlight, but diffused rays are essential. These flowers should be placed on a windowsill facing east or west. If on a south-facing side, provide some light shade. If on a north-facing side, only during summer, as insufficient sunlight can kill the flower.

Temperature and watering

Temperature is also important for growth, but the plant isn't particularly fussy in this regard. It quickly adapts to room temperature. This means it tolerates both heat and cold well; even if the temperature drops below 15°C, the plant will continue to thrive. In summer, it's best to keep it outdoors to allow for natural air circulation. However, it's still worth mentioning that the ideal temperature is considered to be between 23°C and 25°C.

Watering and humidity:

1. Orchids love humidity, so avoid keeping them near hot radiators or stoves. There's a theory that to prolong the life of orchids, place them in a basin of warm water for 20-30 minutes; this allows the roots to absorb sufficient moisture.
2. The humidity level should not fall below 70 percent, and it is also recommended to use a tray into which water should be added as it evaporates or is used by the flowers.

Soil, diseases and propagation

It is recommended to buy a special soil sold in stores for these orchids, which contains: sphagnum moss, crushed with pine bark and fine charcoal and also with peat.

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Orchids are annoyed by:

• worms;
• beetles;
• pliers;
• slugs;
• cockroaches.

These pests most often spread in hot summer weather, in the leaf axils. To control them, you can spray with phosalone once a week for one to six weeks. You can also control them by pouring boiling hot water over the soil before planting, or simply rinsing the plant thoroughly with running water.
Orchids can become ill not only due to parasites, but also due to improper care, such as over-watering the soil, so watering must be done carefully and thoroughly.

The plant is propagated by division. When dividing, make the cut close to the mother pseudobulb so that each division has developed roots and three pseudobulbs. However, it's important to remember that only mature, strong, and healthy orchids can be divided.

Reviews

People who are already growing this orchid variety at home share their impressions:

Natalia, 28 years old

I'd like to say that Brassia is one of the most beautiful flowers for indoor use. It has long since become accustomed to the Russian climate and adapted to its natural and ecological conditions. This flower species is very unique in its beauty, with spider-like leaves, a pleasant vanilla scent, and a wide range of colors. In my opinion, caring for it is virtually no different from other varieties.

Svetlana, 32 years old

I've had a Brassia for two years now. It doesn't require any special care. All varieties and species of Brassia bloom indoors, often year-round, with virtually no downtime, making them very popular. I'd also like to point out that they're simple and undemanding, which is also very important for home gardeners. Of course, their unusual, graceful, web-like flowers captivate the hearts of many flower lovers.

It's important to note that all the tips discussed here can't be applied to a single plant. Each plant's growing conditions vary slightly, so it's important to monitor its growth to get to know the plant better. Don't forget to care for it and maintain the proper humidity, temperature, and lighting to ensure long-lasting blooms and minimal illness. If the plant becomes ill, you should provide assistance by repotting it or washing the petals or roots if they are infested with pests. The best location for Brassia is a windowsill out of direct sunlight.