Brassia lawrenceana

Also known as: Lawrence's Brassia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Amazonas - Brazil Amazonas - Colombia Departamento del Huila - Colombia Guyana Sao Paulo - Brazil

General Information

Lawrence's Brassia is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil, Colombia and Guyana. It is named after the English Orchid Enthusiast in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 45cm. Each new growth has numerous oblong shaped leaves that grow to 5-35cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3-10cm

Flowers

Numerous long lasting, fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 81mm to 244mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 77% to 89%, highest in June and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 17C to 31C, highest in February (20C to 31C) and lowest in September (17C 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.

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

Fertiliser

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. This plant is sensitive so apply fertiliser sparingly at one quarter recommended strength or less. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.