Vivi's Orchid Corner

July 2002 - Volume 7, Issue 6

"Spiders…Arachnids and Brassias!"

Dear Orchid Friends:

Spider Orchids…Brassias. Ooh, those spidery legs! These unique and interesting orchids are eye catching and do make a grand entrance.

Brassias are called spider orchids because their long, thin sepals and petals take on the characteristics of spiders with long, thin legs. If you look at the lip of the Brassias (and use a little imagination) one can detect a spider's body. Spider orchids are classified in the genus Brassia (brass - ee- ah). I love these orchids and their exotic, distinctive shape.

Brassias hail from Central and South America and the Caribbean. Brassias produce inflorescences with many flowers, so growers will routinely cross other genera with Brassias to increase flower size and plant vigor. Some great hybrids include the following:

• Brassias crossed with Miltonias = yield Miltassias.
• Brassias crossed with Oncidiums = yield Brassidiums.
• Brassias crossed with Oncidiums and Miltonias = yield Alicearas.

There are approximately 30 species known in this genus: Brassia maculata, Brassia longissima, Brassia verrucosa are some of the most common. These wonderful orchids are also used extensively in hybridization.

Brassias are sympodial orchids and can be easily grown with cattleyas, however, they do require a bit more water than cattleyas. The smooth pseudobulbs are rounder and flatter than Oncidiums with each pseudobulb bearing 2-3 leaves. The plants can reach heights of 1 ˝ - 2 feet. Leaves are flat, long and resemble those of Oncidiums. Plants can be divided by separating pseudobulbs.

Flowers: Flowers are generally green to greenish-yellow with speckles or markings of brown and deep maroon. Flowers are borne on long inflorescences with up to 10 -20 flowers on the spike. Individual flowers can reach up to 6 -9 inches across! Flowers generally bloom spring to summer. A mature plant can bear hundreds to flowers if it is of true specimen size; what a gorgeous sight. Many species are fragrant.

Light: Brassias like high light (like cattleyas) and need the light to produce flower spikes. When determining light specifications based on light ranges, remember Brassias tolerate medium to high light (or approximately 2000 -4000 foot candles). This means Brassias enjoy sunshine.

Water: Brassias love water and require more frequent waterings. They do not like to be too dry. If too dry, pseudobulbs will appear leathery and wilted.

Temperatures: These orchids tolerate and enjoy intermediate to warm environments. Brassias do like a night temperature variation from day time temperatures. If you can give slightly lower night temperatures of 55-70F, all the better. If this is not possible, your Brassias will still do well. They are quite adaptable.

Brassias are generally categorized as "Easy to Grow." Quite honestly, I experienced some difficulty with Brassias initially. I did not give them ample light or adequate water and consequently, I lost a few. In retrospect, I did not heed their growing preferences. Live and learn, right?

When I attended the 16th World Orchid Conference in Vancouver, BC in 1999, I was thrilled to see so many beautiful Brassias. Many of these were grown under lights and ideal conditions. Brassias can be grown in South Florida as well. Just be certain to give them a little more shade, especially in summer and water more vigorously.

Don't be afraid of spiders…not all are scary creatures. Some are magnificent works of Mother Nature!

Vivi