Brassia

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Ecuador. 

Description. Brassias are epiphytic orchids with unusually shaped flowers that are widely used as indoor plants. The pseudobulbs are flattened, ovoid, green, about 8 cm (3 inches) high and 7 cm wide. Each pseudobulb produces two long, strap-shaped leaves about 38 cm long and 5 cm wide. The peduncle grows up to 30 – 90 cm, bears up to 16 fragrant flowers, blooming mainly in spring and early summer. Each flower is 12 - 15 cm in length and 10 cm in diameter. Flowers of some species reach 20 - 25 cm in length and 10 - 12 cm in diameter. Sepals and petals are pale green with dark green spots, in some species red or brownish purple, mainly at the base. The diamond-shaped lip is light green or white, with dark green spots. Flowers bloom sequentially along the stem throughout the day. Only the blossoming flowers are very fragrant. Flowering takes about 3 weeks.

Height. Reaches 90 cm in height.

Care at home

Flowering time 

Buds appear in the warm season - from spring to autumn.

Transplanting

Repot into larger pots in spring when pseudobulbs become crowded. Mature plants - about every two to three years. The best time to repot these orchids is spring. To reduce possible root damage, soak the orchid container in warm water for ten minutes so that the roots become more flexible and the flower can be removed from the pot more easily.

Diseases and pests 

The color of brassia leaves will easily indicate possible errors in care. Bright green leaves are considered a sign of a healthy plant. Lack of light causes the leaves to darken; too much light causes them to turn yellow. Orchids are often subject to fungal infections, root rot, late blight, and when rot occurs, the pseudobulbs may turn yellow. 

Brassia is attacked by mealybugs, thrips, spider mites, scale insects and aphids. If kept outside in warm weather, snails and slugs may appear.

Reproduction 

Divide the plants in the spring. The rhizomes are cut into two or more parts, making sure that each part has at least two pseudobulbs. The delenki are planted in 7-10 cm pots and tied to a support. Water very sparingly until new growth appears.​

Soil

Based on pine bark, moss - sphagnum.

Watering 

Water thoroughly until the earthen ball is completely wetted, but the upper two-thirds of the soil must dry before the next watering. After the flowering period, gradually reduce watering to encourage the orchid to enter a resting period (about three weeks). During the dormant period, water moderately, just so that the earthen ball does not dry out and the pseudobulbs do not begin to wrinkle. Brassias do not tolerate stagnant water at the roots.

How to care 

A fairly unpretentious orchid, suitable for beginner gardeners. Provide a dormant period of 1-2 winter months - reduce the frequency of watering and stop fertilizing.

Containment temperature

The ideal temperature range is 15 - 23° C during the day and 10 - 15° C at night. Lower temperatures at night stimulate abundant flowering. 

Lighting

In shade from direct sunlight, in partial shade. The sun leaves burns on the leaves. When there is insufficient light, the leaves turn dark green.

Fertilizer

During the period of active growth, 2 times a month with fertilizers in half the dosage, then fertilizing is reduced and stopped for a period of rest. 

Purpose

Brassia is a very attractive orchid with showy flowers that will make a great addition to any orchid collection. It can be grown in a pot or hanging basket. Place the flower basket at eye level so that you can see the buds in great detail.

Air humidity

Provide good air circulation around the plant. Higher air humidity is recommended in summer or in windy weather. When the temperature rises above 23° C for 2 - 3 days, pots with plants are placed on trays with wet pebbles. 

Varieties:

Brassia verrucosa

Quite large epiphytic orchids with dark green, fusiform, wrinkled pseudobulbs up to 8 cm long. Each pseudobulb forms at the top 2 belt-shaped, dark green leaves up to 40 cm long. Peduncles are leafless, thin, reach a height of 30 - 90 cm, each can bear up to 15 large, fragrant flowers. Each flower reaches 10 cm in diameter and has long, narrow petals. The color of flowers is variable and can be white, green, brown, yellowish, beige with all sorts of combinations of these shades. 

Flowers open sequentially - from the base of the peduncle to its top, which significantly prolongs the flowering period. 

Brassia "Summer Dream"

A spectacular beauty with elongated green pseudobulbs and long, strap-like, dark green leaves. The leaf blades are glossy, often arcuate. The peduncles are thin and may droop under the weight of the flowers. The flower petals are brownish in color with small yellow or greenish spots, the lip is predominantly yellow or greenish in color. The flower petals are very long, thin, curved, which is why the plant’s second name is given - spider orchid. During the flowering period, brassia produces a very pleasant aroma. 

Brassia Toscana

A bright epiphytic orchid with elongated green pseudobulbs, from the tops of which large, glossy, dark green leaves emerge. Erect peduncles 30 - 60 cm high can bear 8 - 12 fragrant flowers with a diameter of up to 8 cm, painted yellowish-brown with large, contrasting spots. Flower wasps will need support during the flowering period.