Prosthechea brassavolae is a species of orchid native to Central America and Mexico. It is cultivated by orchid fanciers.
How to keep Prosthechea Brassavolae.
Water
Brassavola's tubular leaves are engineered to limit water transpiration, making it drought resistant compared to many other orchids. As a result, unlike many other epiphytic orchids, the plants require less humidity and less frequent watering. Brassavola orchids are susceptible to chlorine and other contaminants in tap water, therefore use chlorine-free water when watering.
Temperature
Brassavola orchids love moderate to warm temperatures and will bloom more abundantly at the higher end of the temperature range. Daytime temperatures should be between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with nighttime temperatures no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, or the plant will not flower.
Fertilizer
Feed your orchid with a mild fertilizer solution all year (quarter-strength weekly). Many growers make "fertilizer balls" out of nylon hose and controlled-release pellets, then tie the pellet ball around the plant to provide a little dose of fertilizer every time it is watered. Nylon fertilizer balls have a short lifespan.
Pruning
Trim the spike only a modest amount if it is still green and healthy. Find the node beneath the lowest bloom and cut one inch below it. Cut back to the plant's root if the spike has become brown and mushy.
Toxicity
While most domestic orchids are non-toxic, Brassavola orchids are slightly hazardous. They have the potential to produce contact dermatitis and other minor cutaneous responses.
Further reading →
The toxicity and danger assessments provided are for reference only. We do not assure their accuracy, so it's crucial not to depend on them. Seek professional advice when necessary for accurate guidance.
Botanical profile.
- Genus
- Prosthechea
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Bloom Time
- Brassavola orchids are moth-pollinated, so the flowers on the Brassavola nodosa are a pale white to attract pollinators. Brassavola orchids are year-round bloomers with multiple flowers and flower spikes per flush. It's not uncommon to see a Brassavola so covered with flowers it looks like a flower ball. Provide adequate light and warmth and you will be rewarded with several full blooms throughout the year. Brassavola are related to Cattleya and Rhyncholaelia, so they have been extensively hybridized to create many new species, including the lovely and common Brassolaeliocattleya orchids or BLC.
