Brassia

Special botanical characteristics and tips for Brassia orchids

With its large, bizarre, spider-like flowers, Brassia is the epitome of an exotic orchid. It is a pronounced summer bloomer. With just under 30 species, Brassia is a rather small genus. Most Brassia species are found in tropical America at altitudes up to 1500 m.

The orchids of the genus Brassia, also known as "spider orchids", are special and unique for several reasons:
1. unique flower shape: Brassia orchids are known for their unusually long and narrow petals, which resemble the legs of a spider. This flower shape is unusual among orchids and gives the Brassia an eye-catching, exotic look.
2. large inflorescences: The inflorescences of Brassia orchids can bear many flowers, often arranged in racemes. These inflorescences can become impressively large and are a real eye-catcher.
3. fragrance: Many Brassia species exude a strong, pleasant fragrance. This scent is often sweet and can fill an entire room, making them particularly attractive as houseplants.
4. pollination strategy: Brassia orchids have developed an interesting pollination strategy. The flowers mimic the appearance of spiders to attract parasitic wasps that would normally attack spiders. The wasps try to attack the "spider" and the pollen is transferred.
5. robustness: Brassia orchids are relatively hardy and adaptable. They can thrive in different climates and are less sensitive to care mistakes compared to some other orchid species.

Special care instructions for Brassia orchids

To name one speciality, you should make sure that you repot Brassia orchids repot them regularlybecause their roots are particularly sensitive to waterlogging caused by compacted, rotting substrate. A bright but not too hot location does wonders for rapid shoot growth and therefore many flower panicles. It can withstand summer up to 30 °C during the day. At night, the temperature should not fall below 12 °C. When watering Brassia, the classic orchid recipe applies: Water thoroughly, but also allow to dry out well again. Incidentally, this principle applies to almost all bulb orchids. During plant growth, fertilise every 14 days with half the specified concentration. In winter, fertilisation should be stopped completely.

1. light: Brassia orchids require bright, indirect light. A position near an east or west-facing window is ideal. They can also tolerate some direct morning sun, but should be protected from the intense midday sun.
2. temperatureBrassia orchids prefer moderate temperatures. During the day, temperatures should be between 18-24°C, while night temperatures may drop to 12-18°C. They can also tolerate short-term temperature fluctuations well.
3. watering: Brassia orchids like to be kept evenly moist without the substrate becoming waterlogged. Water the plant when the substrate is slightly dry and ensure that excess water can drain away easily.
4. humidityA high humidity of 50-70% is ideal for Brassia orchids. In drier environments, a humidifier or regular spraying of the plant can be helpful.
5. fertilisation: Use a special orchid fertiliser and fertilise the plant every fortnight during the growing season (spring and summer). In autumn and winter, fertilisation can be reduced to once a month.
6. substrateBrassia orchids require a well-drained orchid substrate, which can consist of coarse bark, perlite and some sphagnum moss. This substrate should allow good air circulation around the roots.
7 Repotting: You should repot Brassia orchids every two to three years or when the substrate starts to decompose. The best time to repot is in spring, before active growth begins.

By following these care tips and knowing the special characteristics of Brassia orchids, you can optimally care for and enjoy these fascinating plants.