Brassia - orchid

Brassia is a perennial plant belonging to the Orchid family. Its homeland is the tropical rainforests of the American continent, where about three dozen species of this plant grow. On the territory of Russia, the Brassia orchid has become widespread as a houseplant. This article will discuss how to properly care for brassia at home.

Brassia: description and characteristics of the orchid

Orchid Brassia: photo

Brassia has external features that distinguish it from other orchids. These include, first of all, the unusual structure of flowers, thanks to which the brassia is often called the "spider orchid". Their petals are yellow in various shades, as well as numerous volumetric specks of brown.

Some types of brassia are characterized by a brown color of flowers covered with yellow-green specks. The brassia petals, as a rule, are elongated, reaching 15 cm in length.

Brassia flowers form inflorescences, each of which has 6-8 flowers, there are specimens with more voluminous inflorescences. In their shape, they are similar to insects, for which the brassia was named "spider orchid".

One of the advantages of brassia is the pleasant aroma of its flowers, the notes of which are associated with the smell of vanilla. However, it is this feature that some gardeners consider a disadvantage and do not risk growing such a fragrant plant in a city apartment. However, most indoor plant lovers agree that the scent of brassia flowers is exceptionally pleasant. In gardening stores and nurseries, hybrid varieties of this orchid are often sold, which differ in appearance and aroma. Each grower can choose a plant to his liking.

Brassia leaves have an elongated lanceolate shape and a rich green color. As a rule, they form a kind of fan around the stem of the plant.

Other advantages of brassia include its docile nature - in indoor growing conditions, it does not require special care. Plus, these undemanding orchids bloom all year round. Novice gardeners should pay attention to the warty brassia (Brassia Verrucosa), which has earned the title of the easiest variety in terms of care. Other varieties of this culture also do not require special efforts and special skills and knowledge for their successful cultivation.

Brassia: home care

Orchid Brassia: photo

Despite its unpretentious nature, brassia still needs minimal maintenance. Following the necessary agrotechnical recommendations will allow you to easily grow it on a windowsill or balcony and admire the unusual and fragrant flowers of this tropical orchid all year round.

Brassia Lighting Mode

Since in the wild, brassia grows in southern forests, it needs competent lighting, as close as possible to natural conditions. It is best if the light is a little diffused, although the plant tolerates bright rays well. The best placement option will be the window sills of windows and balconies facing east or west. If the florist has only a southern window at his disposal, you will have to take care of creating a little shading. As for the north side of the house, this is not the best choice, since with the arrival of autumn, the brassia will lack light and may not bloom.In winter, artificial lighting should be organized for the orchid, since it needs at least 10 hours a day to be in the light.

Temperature

The optimum air temperature in the room where the brassia grows is from 23 to 25 degrees. At a lower room temperature, the plant will also feel good, it is important that the thermometer does not drop below 15 degrees. In order for the brassia to bloom, it needs to provide a daily temperature drop, which is about 5-6 degrees. Orchid flowering can also be stimulated by lowering the air temperature in the room to +17 degrees. This should be done at a time when young plant bulbs begin to ripen.

From late spring to mid-September, it is recommended to store brassia on an open balcony: nighttime cooling will provide the necessary temperature drop, and there will also be no shortage of sunlight.

Orchid moisture level

In the natural habitat of brassia, there is an increased air humidity, for this reason, in indoor growing conditions, it is necessary to provide it with the maximum possible moisture. Dry room air is especially dangerous for tropical orchids during the heating season. At this time, it is better to remove containers with plants as far as possible from pipes and batteries. It is necessary to spray the brassia regularly and very often. It will not be superfluous to purchase an air humidifier, which will help to constantly maintain the required humidity level in the room.

Brass watering mode

Orchid Brassia: photo

In spring and summer, watering brassia is carried out as follows: a container with a plant is placed in a bucket of water and left there for half an hour or a little less (but not less than 20 minutes). Then the container should be removed from the bucket and the excess moisture should be allowed to drain from it.

In winter, it is often not necessary to water the brassia, however, it should not be allowed to dry out. It is important to monitor the condition of the pseudobulbs - their surface should not wrinkle.

Experienced flower growers recommend stopping watering brassia after the appearance of peduncles. The break should be about a week - during this time, the soil in the container or pot should dry completely. Watering during this period will lead to the formation of young bulbs, while the flower stalks will not develop.

Brassia - soil composition

The quality and composition of the soil play an important role in the cultivation of brassia. For her to be successful indoors, you will need to purchase a mixture designed for tropical orchids. You can cook it at home, for this you should mix an equal amount of high-moor peat, sphagnum and pine bark. Some gardeners recommend adding more sphagnum moss and charcoal.

Brassia - transplant

Brassia transplant: training video

Orchid Brassia not only does not require transplantation, but also does not like this procedure too much. Therefore, you should resort to it only when there is no other way out. For example, a brassia transplant is indicated when the plant has outgrown the container in which it is located, and its bulbs are located behind the rim of the pot. For transplanting, you will need a capacious container, since you need to bury the orchid quite strongly - the upper part of the pot should remain free. This requirement is due to the fact that young brassia bulbs tend to grow on top of old ones, so the gardener will be forced to periodically pour potting soil into the pot. Placing the plant in a pot is important: since the bulbs grow on only one side of the bush, you should leave as much room for them as possible.

Fertilization

In spring and summer, brassia should be fed monthly. For this purpose, you can purchase a ready-made mixture for fertilizing orchids in a specialized store, and follow the instructions on the package exactly.Top dressing must be combined with watering or irrigation of the plant.

In the autumn-winter period, the spider orchid does not need feeding, especially if the room maintains a fairly low air temperature. During this period, the plant should be at rest and does not need additional nutrition.

Brassia: orchid reproduction

Orchid Brassia: photo

The best way to breed brassia is by dividing the bush. It should be used when the orchid bush has grown too large. The procedure is very simple: it is necessary to carefully divide the brass into several viable parts. Each of them should have at least 3 fully matured pseudobulbs.

Protection from diseases and pests

Among harmful insects, the main enemies of brassia are spider mites. You can get rid of them with the help of shower irrigation of the flower with water, the temperature of which should be at least 45 degrees.

With regard to diseases of brassia, the greatest threat is represented by root rot. The cause of its occurrence is the stagnation of moisture in the soil at a low air temperature in the room. The main sign of root rot is the yellowing of the foliage and its subsequent wilting. In the future, necrosis of the brassia tissue develops, as a result of which the orchid can most likely die. It is important to regularly inspect orchids in order to detect alarming symptoms in time and adjust the watering regime.