Vivi's Orchid Corner

Dear Orchid Friends:

Brassavolas are widely found in Latin America from Mexico to Brazil, Argentina and also to the West Indies. This genus is named after a Venetian Botanist, Sr. Antonio Musa Brassavola.

Brassavolas are nocturnally fragrant and their perfume disappears after day break. The Brassavola nodosa is aptly nicknamed "the Lady of the Night" for its delicious night time fragrance.

Brassavolas have terete leaves (pencil shaped). Flowers have an unusual shape: long, slender sepals and petals with a heart shaped lip. The petals and sepals are generally a greenish tint and the lip is white, pale yellow or pale green. The flowers are borne on long, delicate stems that cascade.

Temperature/Light: Brassavolas tolerate high light. Grow them with cattleyas or vandas. They are quite hardy and have a high tolerance to heat. Thus, they will bloom heavily especially in the summer months and grow well in warm to intermediate environments. Brassavolas like high humidity and plenty of water and require good air circulation.

Potting Medium: Brassavolas do well mounted on cork, tree fern mounts or placed in wooden slatted baskets. This allows the water to drain and the stems and teretes to hang freely. If potted, Brassavolas like to be pot bound.

Flowering: Usually flowers summer to fall, however, they can and do flower several times throughout the entire year.

Fertilizer: provide fertilizer on a regular basis. I like to use a 20-20-20 fertilizer and add an occasional bloom booster. Flush plants well to flush out fertilizer salt buildup. Feed once every other week or fertilize weekly with a half dilution of fertilizer ("weakly, weekly").

Brassavolas are interesting orchids to add to your collection. The clean, spicy fragrance and delicate flowers are certain to please! They are well suited for our South Florida climate.

Until next time,

Vivi

P.S. Thoroughly clean and sanitize pots, clips, utensils before repotting. Now is the time to repot so identify the orchids that need repotting. Orchids are showing signs of heavy growth right now and the new growth attracts insects. Get into the habit of inspecting your plants for insects and treat accordingly. Fertilize regularly.