× Brassidium Spider Star gx 'Toskana'

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× <em>Brassidium</em> Spider Star gx 'Toskana' Valeria Valkova

Synonyms

Brassia 'Toscana'
Brassia 'Toscane'

Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants
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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. They are oval to elliptic-shaped, slightly flattened around the top, carrying 1-3 leaves at the tip. Base of new pseudobulb is partially covered with two pairs of green, leafed sheaths. The plant typically flowers from early summer to autumn on 40-60cm long, arching stems. New flowering stems arise from the axils of young, mature pseudobulbs and the leafed sheaths, carrying up to 15 flowers. Unusually shaped flowers are yellow with dark brown-red spots. Long, slender petals and sepals give the flower its spider-like appearance

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 South–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)
H1A

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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