Brassavola subulifolia

Also known as: Heart or Brassavola stricta Brassavola sloanei Bletia nodosa var. cordata Brassavola cordata Bletia cordata Lysimnia bicolor in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Jamaica

General Information

Heart is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Jamaica.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 20-38cm. Each new growth has numerous erect terete shaped leaves that grow to 1.3-38cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 16cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 15mm to 180mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 71% to 79%, highest in October and lowest in July. Temperature ranges from 17C to 31C, highest in July (22C to 31C) and lowest in March (17C to 28C).

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.

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.