Brassavola gardneri

Also known as: Gardner's Brassavola in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Amapa - Brazil

General Information

Gardner's Brassavola is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil. It is named after the English Botanist and Orchid Collector in Brazil later in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 22-31cm. Each new growth has a single thick erect, terete shaped leaf that grows to 0.7-20cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.2-11cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 28mm to 290mm per day, heaviest in April and lightest in September. Temperature ranges from 20C to 32C, highest in September (22C to 32C) and lowest in July (20C to 29C).

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. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant.

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 well mounted.