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Conservatory GreenhouseHouseplants

× Brassidium Yoshiichi Nakagawa gx

A medium-sized, epiphytic orchid with 20-30cm long, leathery leaves. New growth appears from the base of swollen stem - pseudobulb, a storage organ for water and nutrients. Pseudobulbs are a oval to elliptic-shaped, slightly flattened around the top, carrying 1-3 leaves from their tips. Base of each new pseudobulb is partially covered with two pair of green, leafed sheaths. The plant typically flowers in early summer on 40-50cm long, arching stems. New flowering stems arise from the axils of leafed sheaths and new maturing pseudobulbs. Each stem carries up to 20 large, pale green or yellowish flowers with small, dark maroon spots. Long, slender petals and sepals give flowers an unusual, spider-like appearance.

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green Yellow Green
Summer White Green Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter 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 GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

A nothogenus of spider-like orchids with glossy, strap-like foliage and long, narrow petals in shades of yellow, dark red, white and purple

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

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.

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.

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

No pruning required. Remove the flowering stem once finished flowering.

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and scale insects.

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

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