BRASSIA

The Brassia (BRASS-ee-ah) is a great beginner orchid with a divine fragrance and abundant flowers. Brassia is nick-named the spider orchid, as the long petals resemble long-legged spiders. (Though it’s nicer to think of it as the ballet orchid, as the long, graceful petals bring to mind a row of ballerinas caught mid pirouette.) 

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TEMPERATURE

One reason this orchid is so easy to grow is that household temperatures are just right,  with intermediate temperatures (55°-60° F/13°-15.6°C) to warm(70°-85°F/21°-29° C) temperatures being ideal.

LIGHT

Brassia orchids need bright light (2,000-3,000 fc). Tell-tale signs of excellent light are a reddish blush on the pseudobulbs and slight yellowing of the leaves.

HUMIDITY

Humidity levels between 50-70% are ideal for this orchid. Use a humidifier if necessary and a fan set to low to provide air movement. Home growers: remember 50% is the maximum recommendation. To track humidity levels, use a humidistat.

WATER

Water regularly when in active growth, otherwise, the leaves may irreversibly crinkle. During the winter months, when the orchid is not in active growth, reduce water by a third.

FERTILIZATION

Brassia orchids are moderate feeders when in active growth. Apply balanced fertilizer three out of four weeks. On the fourth week, flood the potting media to rinse fertilizer salts. If the orchid is potted in bark, use a high nitrogen fertilizer (9-3-6). During winter, reduce fertilizer by a third.

POTTING & MEDIA

These are substantial orchids and do well in 6-8 inch pots, in medium-grade fir bark. As the roots need excellent aeration, repot in the spring. These orchids do not tolerate decomposing media.

TIPS

Divide this orchid in the spring when repotting by breaking apart pseudobulbs making divisions of at least 3 pseudobulbs. As an extra precaution against infection, add a bit of cinnamon to the severed edges of the pseudobulbs. Avoid getting cinnamon on the orchid’s roots.

captivating fragrance

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