Brassavola cebolleta

Also known as: Onion in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bahia - Brazil Paraguay

General Information

Onion is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil and Paraguay.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 15-22cm. Each new growth has a single terete shaped leaf that grows to 0.3-15cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.2-7cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Flowers

Numerous long lasting, fragrant blossoms appear during Summer

Fragrance

The orchid is most fragrant during the night.

Blooming Season

• Summer

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 114mm to 287mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 84% to 88%, highest in January and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 18C to 30C, highest in July (22C to 30C) and lowest in January (18C to 26C).

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.

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs.