Overview
Lycaste cruenta is a clump forming conservatory greenhouse in the genus Lycaste, part of the Orchidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lycaste cruenta grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include houseplants and conservatory and greenhouse.
About
Lycaste cruenta is a plant belonging to the orchid genus Lycaste and native to Central America. Lycaste cruenta has greenish yellow flowers with bright orange petals and labellum about 8 cm (3 in) wide. They appear in spring in the flower stems up to 15 cm (6 in) high, and there can be more than 20 flowers in one plant. They have a sweet scent resembling cinnamon in the evening. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and loam soil. In UK gardens it needs subtropical warmth and glass protection in the UK (RHS H1b). It works well for houseplants and conservatory and greenhouse. It tolerates neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lycaste cruenta
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lycaste
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Lycaste cruenta size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lycaste cruenta
- Propagation
- Division
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lycaste cruenta?
Lycaste cruenta prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lycaste cruenta need?
Lycaste cruenta grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Lycaste cruenta hardy in the UK?
Lycaste cruenta has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Lycaste cruenta?
Division.
More in the Lycaste genus
- Lycaste bradeorum
- Lycaste Auburn gx 'Ditchling'
- Lycaste Auburn gx 'Ringmer'
- Lycaste Groganii gx 'Saint Thomas'
- Lycaste Neptune gx
- Lycaste lasioglossa x maculata