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× Brassocattleya Déesse gx 'Charles'

A medium-sized, evergreen, epiphytic orchid with elongated, upright, cane-like stems growing from a short rhizome. Each stem - pseudobulb is broader in the central part and narrower at the base, carrying one (rarely two) firm, dark green leaves at the top. The leaves are broadly-oval, leathery and partially glossy, up to 20-30cm long. Large showy flowers emerge from the middle of the leaves on a new, mature growth, mainly in autumn and winter. Each flowers measures up to 20cm across, with pure white petals and sepals. The lip is frilled, with a large, lime-green round centre. An old hybrid registered by Vacherot & Lecoufle in 1947.

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn White Green Green
Winter White Green Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1A
Botanical details
Family
Orchidaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming, Columnar upright
Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in an open, coarse bark-based orchid mix with addition of perlite and coconut chips. Provide bright light conditions, but shade from hot, direct mid-day sun. Ideal temperatures are 15°C minimum in winter and up to maximum 28 °C during summer day. Water and feed plants regularly during the growing season. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant sitting too wet. Provide enough humidity by regular misting. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months and keep in a bright, sunny position. 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. The plant should only be re-potted when the new growth appears in spring. See also indoor orchid cultivation.

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required.

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects and mealybugs. Thrips may cause damage on flowers.

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.

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