Brassia caudata

Also known as: Information to be completed

A medium-sized, epiphytic orchid with elliptic, dark green leathery leaves up to 30cm long and 2.5-8cm wide. Pseudobulbs are up to 14cm long and 3.5cm wide, flattened with sharp edges, bearing a pair of leaves at the tip. Flowering in autumn and spring, on 45cm long, arching stems, carrying up to 20 flowers. Each flower is 3.5cm wide and 15cm long. Petals and sepals are long and narrow, yellow with darker brown markings. The distinct shape of flowers has evolved to mimic spiders to attract wasp species conducive to successful pollination.

Scientific classification

Species: Brassia caudata (Brassia caudata)
Genus: Brassia
Family: Orchidaceae

Information to be completed
Toxicity: Conservatory Greenhouse · Houseplants
Plant type: 0.1-0.5 metres
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Clump forming
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Brassia caudata pictures

Distribution of Brassia caudata

Distribution map

Southern US to Brazil

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Information to be completed

Quick identification of Brassia caudata

Information to be completed

Brassia caudata care guide

Keep potting medium lightly moist, airy, and never stagnant
Watering: Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Keep potting medium lightly moist, airy, and never stagnant

Fertilizing

Half-strength orchid feed every two to three weeks in active growth

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older pseudobulbs with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting.

Growing

Grow in an open bark-based orchid compost with addition of perlite, sphagnum moss or coir. Provide enough bright filtered light, but keep away from direct sunlight or a heating source. Ideal temperatures are around 15°C minimum at night and up to maximum 25 °C during day. Water regularly, when the pot feels light when lifted. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant sitting wet. Orchid fertiliser can be applied regularly throughout the growing season. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months. The orchid will naturally produce aerial roots, growing outside of the pot. As with many orchids, they grow best when 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.

More growing and care information →