About
Lycaste aromatica is a small to medium-sized, deciduous epiphytic orchid to 25 cm tall producing oval, green pseudobulbs and pleated, deciduous leaves. Up to ten single-flowered stems to 25 cm long are borne from each mature pseudobulb, bearing bright-yellow flowers 5�6 cm wide with a strong cinnamon fragrance. One of the most fragrant and rewarding of the lycastes for an intermediate to cool heated greenhouse.
About the genus
Lycaste are epiphytic or terrestrial orchids with oval pseudobulbs, pleated, often deciduous leaves and large, solitary, showy flowers on individual stems from the base of the pseudobulbs. Grown in intermediate to cool heated greenhouses.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toMex. to C America
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a suitable, moisture-retentive, but free-draining orchid mix. Provide enough bright, filtered light, but keep away from direct sunlight or a heating source. Ideal temperatures are around 13°C minimum at night and up to maximum 25 °C during day. Water with soft water when the pot feels light when lifted. Prevent rot by avoiding leaves when watering. Orchid fertiliser can be applied regularly throughout the growing season. Reduce watering and feeding when dormant, in winter months. As with many orchids, they grow best when they are 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. See indoor orchid cultivation for more tips
PruningNo pruning required other than removing spent flower stems
PropagationPropagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Well-established plants can be propagated by division. Ensure each division has young enough, mature pseudobulbs to support new growth.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free. Poor air movement may cause bacterial or fungal rots. Good hygiene practice and sterilising cutting tools prevent the spread of virus diseases