About
Brassia caudata is a medium-sized epiphytic orchid characterized by its elliptical, dark green, leathery leaves that can reach lengths of up to 30 cm and widths between 2.5 and 8 cm. The flattened pseudobulbs measure around 14 cm in length and 3.5 cm in width, featuring sharp edges and supporting a pair of leaves at their apex. This orchid typically blooms in autumn and spring, producing arching inflorescences that can grow to 45 cm in length and bear as many as 20 flowers. Each blossom measures approximately 3.5 cm across and 15 cm in length, with elongated, narrow petals and sepals that are predominantly yellow, accented by darker brown patterns. The flowers' unique morphology is an adaptation that resembles spiders, which helps attract specific wasp species for effective pollination.
About the genus
Brassia consists of epiphytic orchids that vary in size from small to large. They feature pseudobulbs that are either ovoid or cylindrical, each supporting one to three strap-shaped leaves. These orchids typically produce fragrant flowers, arranged in racemes that can bear as many as 12 spider-like blooms emerging from the bases of the pseudobulbs.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1B
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants
- Native to
- S US to Brazil
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in an open bark-based orchid compost with addition of perlite, sphagnum moss or coir. Provide enough bright filtered light, but keep away from direct sunlight or a heating source. Ideal temperatures are around 15°C minimum at night and up to maximum 25 °C during day. Water regularly, when the pot feels light when lifted. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant sitting wet. Orchid fertiliser can be applied regularly throughout the growing season. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months. The orchid will naturally produce aerial roots, growing outside of the pot. As with many orchids, they grow best when well-established and slightly pot-bound. Re-potting should be only done if the plant overgrows its container or before the potting mix starts to deteriorate - approximately once in 2-3 years.
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older pseudobulbs with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting.
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and scale insects.
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free.