Brassia arachnoidea

Also known as: The Spider in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Acre - Brazil

General Information

The Spider is a sympodial cool to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 30-36cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery erect, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 5-25cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3-11cm

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. 

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 20mm to 241mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in January. Temperature ranges from 16C to 31C, highest in March (19C to 31C) and lowest in January (16C 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.

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,