Brassavola

Family. Orchidaceae. 

Origin. Central America, Mexico.

Description. Brassavolas are epiphytic, less often lithophytic orchids. Each elongated pseudobulb is up to 15 cm high, round in cross-section, has one or two fleshy, narrow, drooping leaves with a shallow groove in the center, 10 - 30 cm long and 4 - 6 cm wide, sometimes with a serrated edge. The flowers are large - up to 8 cm in diameter, showy, white or greenish-white with narrow, pointed petals; there are 1 - 6 flowers on one axillary inflorescence. The sepals are green, narrow and long. The lip is wide, heart-shaped, often velvety. Most species emit a pleasant citrus scent at night. Flowering lasts from 5 days to 1 month.

Height. The total height of the plant reaches 45 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

The temperature for growing brassavola should be between 18 and 24° C during the day and not lower than 15 degrees at night. There is a distinct dry season in winter.

Reproduction

By seeds and division of rhizomes of adult plants.

Lighting

Give the brassavola plenty of light. These beautiful plants love bright light, and when there is enough light, small red freckles appear on the leaves. Do not place in direct sunlight in summer. In winter, you can provide artificial lighting with fluorescent lamps.

How to care for an orchid

A fairly unpretentious flower, perfect for novice gardeners.

Soil

Composition of perlite, sphagnum moss, pine bark, with the addition of charcoal.

Feeding

Feed the plants 2 times a month during the period of active growth with fertilizers with a high potassium content.

Purpose

Look great in hanging baskets. 

Flowering time

Mainly in the spring. Sometimes, with good care, twice a year.

Air humidity

About 60 - 70%, place the pot on a tray of wet gravel. Loves ventilated rooms. 

Watering

Water regularly with soft water, but allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. It is also useful to completely immerse the pot of brassavola in water for 15 minutes. After flowering, reduce watering, but make sure that the pseudobulbs do not shrink.

Transplanting

Adult specimens are replanted every two to three years, in the spring.

Pests and diseases

Of the harmful insects, the flower can be annoyed by spider mites, aphids, scale insects, and thrips.