Lycaste aromatica

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Conservatory Greenhouse

A small to medium-sized epiphytic orchid up to 25cm tall, producing a clump of green, oval-shaped pseudobulbs, which serve as storage organs for water and nutrients. The orchid usually flowers in cultivation between late spring and summer, at the same time as the new growth resumes. Emerging leaf rosettes appear pale green, turning mid-green as they mature. leaves are deciduous, plicate (folded lengthways), 7cm wide and 20cm long. Each mature pseudobulb produces up to ten, single-flowered stems up to 25cm long. Yellow flowers are 5-6cm large and carry a strong cinnamon smell. Mature specimen plants can display large numbers of flower flowering simultaneously

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H1B

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Orchidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Mex. to C America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a suitable, moisture-retentive, but free-draining orchid mix. Provide enough bright, filtered light, but keep away from direct sunlight or a heating source. Ideal temperatures are around 13°C minimum at night and up to maximum 25 °C during day. Water with soft water when the pot feels light when lifted. Prevent rot by avoiding leaves when watering. Orchid fertiliser can be applied regularly throughout the growing season. Reduce watering and feeding when dormant, in winter months. As with many orchids, they grow best when they are 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. See indoor orchid cultivation for more tips

Propagation

Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Well-established plants can be propagated by division. Ensure each division has young enough, mature pseudobulbs to support new growth.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required other than removing spent flower stems

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free. Poor air movement may cause bacterial or fungal rots. Good hygiene practice and sterilising cutting tools prevent the spread of virus diseases