Brassavola cucullata

Also known as: Hooded Brassavola or Brassavola cucullata h.v. cuspidata Brassavola cucullata var. elegans Brassavola odoratissima Brassavola cuspidata Cymbidium cucullatum Epidendrum cucullatum Bletia cucullata var. cuspidata in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Colima - Mexico Nayarit - Mexico Veracruz - Mexico

General Information

Hooded Brassavola is a medium sized warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico.

Plant Description

Grows to 40-60cm. Each new growth has a single leathery thick, arching, terete shaped leaf that grows to 0.7-60cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 21cm

Flowers

Numerous long lasting, fragrant blossoms appear during Summer and Autumn

Fragrance

The orchid is most fragrant during the night.

Blooming Season

• Autumn
• Summer

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Care Notes

These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 0mm to 196mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in April. Temperature ranges from 12C to 33C, highest in May (22C to 33C) and lowest in January (12C to 27C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

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.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a low Nitrogen fertiliser during Summer and Winter. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer and Winter.

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,

This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.