Received an exotic orchid today and it’s so beautiful 😍 from what i could find, it’s a Brassadium Glided Urchin x Adaglossum summit (Also known as Mystic Maze) Any care tips?? I have a Pink moth orchid which i adore! Hopefully this one is as good to me as the moth has been 🤭
How lovely! I love spider orchids. Brassia are part of the Oncidium alliance, which covers a wide array of species. If you give them enough light, they’re easy bloomers. Most are annual bloomers, but some will give you a couple of shows in a year if you treat them right. And when they aren’t in bloom, the plant itself is fascinating and otherworldly. It’s great you’ve already done some research because caring for an oncidium-type isn’t always straightforward. Growers have been creating intergenerice hybrids for years so understanding your particular plant’s lineage will give valuable insight into the kind of care it’s looking for. With all that said, here is a basic starting point for oncidium care. As you observe how your plant responds to your care, you should tweak or overhaul as necessary. Light - they want bright, indirect light (just like every other houseplant, right?). The thickness (not width) of the leaves will give you a good idea as to how much light they want. The thicker the leaves, the more light they can take. Most will appreciate some early morning sun, but be careful to provide some shade during the hotter parts of the day. I have the best luck in an east window slightly shaded by an old crepe myrtle. It gives beautiful dappled light and consistent blooming. Water - I find most Oncidiums almost as thirsty as phalaenopsis. Which seems surprising given the relatively big pseudobulbs. Luckily, the plants will tell you what it wants. If you see wrinkled pseudobulbs, it’s time to break out the watering can. Mild wrinkling will smooth out as the plant takes up water and replenishes its stores. More significant wrinkling will smooth but always remain in some capacity. Keeping a plant too dry for long periods will result in accordion pleating of new leaves (so all my friends and family know I’m miserly with water). But that doesn’t mean you should keep them waterlogged. They are orchids after all, and have evolved to tolerate some dryness. If it helps, I view most of my orchids as succulents (which probably explains the abundance of accordion leaves in my collection). The type of media dictates how I water. I grow most of my Oncidiums in straight bark so they dry out reasonably fast in my growing conditions. When the plant is ready for some water, I soak the pot for 10-15 minutes. For plants in sphagnum, I top water only because soaking causes the sphagnum to take in too much water. Wait until the media dries out before watering again. Fertilizer - While in active growth (putting on new leaves, roots or inflorescence), I use fertilizer at 1/8 to 1/4 strength each time I water. Once a month flush with pure water to reduce salt buildup (this is especially important when using synthetic fertilizer or with hard water). There is a lot of discussion about using bloom boosters or other orchid specific formulas, like MSU, but for those of us not competing in shows I think the important thing is to just use fertilizer correctly. Roots can burn quickly and regrowing can feel like forever. Media - Oncidiums have fine roots that like to stay a tad wetter than your typical orchid so a fine bark generally works well. I have used larger orchid bark with sphagnum in a pinch but avoid it if I can. I like to repot newly acquired plants as soon as the blooms dropped because the media is probably at the end of its useful lifespan. Especially if the plant is in sphagnum. I just don’t have luck growing orchids in sphagnum long term. Luckily, the root systems aren’t as sensitive as cattleyas so you can repots almost anytime if you have too. But, I try to do it in the spring right before new roots for or just as they are developing. This ensures a new crop of healthy roots to support the next two or three years in that pot. Those are the high points. If you pay attention to your plant, it will show you what it wants. Good luck!
6 likes Wow! Thank you for that insight. I definitely appreciate that!
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Omg so jealous!!! Sooo lucky! Absolutely gorgeous!!!!
1 like I believe it was from Trader Joes. My husband got it for me
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