Brassia Orchid Types

Brassia orchid types occur naturally in Central and South America and in the West Indies. Of the 25 species in this genus only a few are cultivated.

Brassia orchids have long narrow petals and sepals which make them look like spiders and are often commonly called spider orchids because of their appearance. The foliage grows to a height of about twelve inches and the flower spike will grow above that. Brassia flowers are for the most part brown and light green in color, and they usually have green oval pseudo bulbs.

The flower spikes of Brassia orchid types come up from the leading pseudo bulb in the spring and will have as many as twelve flowers on a spike that are all above the foliage. The Brassia orchid begins flowering in early summer and blooms for about five weeks.

Brassia orchids are considered a cool growing plant. Their survivable temperature ranges from a cool 55 degrees F on a winter night to a warm 86 degrees on a summer day. Grow adult plants in pots four to six inches in size and use bark or a bark based medium to pot them with. Brassia require watering all year round, but limit water during winter when the plant is resting. In the summer foliage needs to be sprayed, but keep buds and flowers dry. They grow best when humidity is kept between 50% and 70%. A humidity tray put underneath them works well. Brassia require bright light but not during mid day as this will burn them. If growing inside under artificial light they will need approximately 2500 foot candles of light as measured with a light meter.

Brassia orchid types are sympodial orchids and when they become large enough they can be divided and or propagated. Propagation is done from the back pseudo bulbs. You can propagate them by dividing the back pseudo bulb from the rest of the plant and replanting them in their own small pot and placing them in a propagator or in a warm and light spot. Growth will usually appear in a few weeks. Re-potting should only be done every two to three years.

Brassia Rex is a hybrid which was started in Hawaii and is a heat tolerant plant. This makes it suitable for growing in the warmer parts of the United States as well as warm climates in other countries.

Brassia verrucosa is a species from Honduras that has become a popular plant for indoor homes and green houses. It is cool growing and has wonderfully fragrant flowers that bloom in early summer.

Ellen Reader - avid orchid collector, grower, and writer. I love orchids.

Interested in finding out more about Orchid Types? At my Orchid Center Online website you can find additional orchid information.

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