Aspasia principissa

Also known as: The Elegant Aspasia or Aspasia epidendroides var. principissa Aspasia biberiana Aspasia rousseauae Odontoglossum biberianum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Costa Rica Departamento del Huila - Colombia Provincia de Colon - Panama

General Information

The Elegant Aspasia is a medium sized warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Costa Rica, Colombia and Panama.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 1.3-25cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3.1-10.8cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear during Spring

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Blooming Season

• Spring

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 71mm to 180mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 82% to 94%, highest in May and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 20C to 29C, highest in June (23C to 29C) and lowest in January (20C to 28C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

Repotting is best done annually.