Macradenia brassavolae
Also known as: The Brassavola or Serrastylis modesta Macradenia brassavolae h.f. albescens Macradenia modesta Macradenia brassavolae var. albiflora in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
Native to: Costa Rica Departamento del Huila - Colombia Ecuador Guatemala Honduras Panama South Caribbean Coast - Nicaragua
General Information
The Brassavola is a small sympodial hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and Nicaragua.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Grows to 25cm. Each new growth has a single leathery erect, elliptic, lance shaped, oblong shaped leaf that grows to 4.5-22cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1-4.5cm
Flowers
Numerous blossoms appear during Autumn
Blooming Season
- Autumn
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 74mm to 665mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in April. Humidity ranges from 76% to 83%, highest in July and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 21C to 32C, highest in September (23C to 32C) and lowest in January (21C 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
Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant.
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,
Repotting is best done annually.