Alright, now I know I'm in touble... (new plant)

[ChasWG]

Well I got back from the annual Denver Orchid Society show ad sale at Tagawa Gardens here in Aurora, CO. Basically in my back yard. I went there with the plan to only buy some fert/nutriant supplies and get some advice from people of a like mind and have the same conditions I have to work with. (14% annual humidity, scorching mile high sun, things like that)

Well I found the fert and the advice as well as a very interesting little plant that is known as Brassavola cordata (species). Little being the most important word. The pot is only 2" across and as you can see from the picture the plant tag is almost as big as the tallest leaves. But the good news is that it is very healthy and growing 4 new leaves. I paid $10 for it so it wasn't a huge investment. I have high hopes for this plant. After talking with a member of the local Society she said that this Brassavola would be a good match for me and my conditions.

Pictures:


After talking with some of the folks at the DOS I came to the conclusion that my Dendrobium would do better in the original terra cotta pot it came in so I swapped out the the Dendro and my original Phal into the containers scene here.

[kiki-do]

Nice purchase Chas! These guys are little but worth every penny and then some. Very rewarding, you will love this one. And you have a nice assortment of orchids there. You are well on your way to becoming one of us addicts, you know!

[ChasWG]

Thanks for the nice words!

In doing some research on this little guy I found this at the Cattleya Orchid Source:

Brassavola cordata
Common Name: Heart-lipped Brassavola

Native to: Jamaica. This species is found growing on trees.

Plant Size: Medium to large. The robust leaves of Brassavola cordata are long, fleshy, and deeply channeled.

Flower Size: 1 3/4 inches (4 cm)

Flower Description: The petals and sepals on Brassavola cordata are apple green. The heart-shaped lip is white in color. Flowers are fragrant at night and have an attractive citrus scent. The mature pseudobulb produces a 6 inch (15 cm) long branched stem that produces up to 6 flowers. Brassavola cordata has long-lived flowers.

Bloom Season: Summer to Fall

Growing Temperature: Warm

Additional Information: Brassavola cordata is best grown mounted on cork bark, tree fern plaques or wood slabs. Provide heavy water during the growing season and reduce slightly after the newest pseudobulbs mature. Provide warm cattleya growing conditions with ample humidity and air circulation. This species should be correctly called Brassavola subuliflolia but it was published in such an obscure journal that it was not discovered until the Brassavola cordata was established as the accepted name.

Synonyms: Bletia cordata; Bletia nodosa var. cordata;Brassavola harrisii; Brassavola nodosa; Brassavola nodosa subsp. cordata; Brassavola sloanei; Brassavola stricta; Brassavola subuliflolia; Lysimnia bicolor
Good info indeed. Ain't the internet great!

[l.ania]

Nice purchase! I love Brassavolas...
Have a look here IOSPE PHOTOS
I'm waiting for bloom photos!
Good luck

[lostonthebeach]

Cute little plant, Seems like a good choice.

[Ross]

B. cordata was a wise choice. It is very tolerant of a range of conditions. Very bright light is one of those conditions. Just be sure not to stick it right in full sun immediately unless you know that is the way is was grown. Be sure to water daily and let it dry out totally between waterings. If it's still wet in the morning, then wait a day.

[ChasWG]

Thanks Ross! About how large will this plant get. Is it on the small side? I don't really care I guess, just wanted to know and plan for it.
BTW, I think it was grown in the direct sun. A couple of the leaves have a redish tint to them. The lady from the DOS said that was sort of an orchid sun tan/burn. True? She suggest to pop it right into the window sill and start watering. It was dry this evening, so I watered it again. Last time was sunday evening around the same time. It's a small pot so I can see the need to watch that one. Still need to get a humidity tray for it. At least to keep it from staining the sill. EEEEEKKKKKK!