New aquisition - Brassia (?), and Oncidium croesus spike

[LexyBoy]

Hi!

Just back from Homebase where I've treated myself to a slightly late birthday present - and I think the first orchid I've bought in bloom. They currently have a great selection of Cambrias at great prices (£8, including ceramic outer pot of doom) - they seem to be well treated at my store too, a bit on the dry side if anything.

So I think this is a Brassia (fnar fnar) or intergeneric with it - any more educated guesses much appreciated! From a little read around I'm none the wiser on care - one place says loads of water and medium light, another says even brighter and dryer than a Cattleya! It's currently in a coir type medium and the roots look good - I intend to leave it in that until the flowers are gone over at least.





Secondly, I couldn't help my nursing instincts and rescued a 50p Phal. I don't really like Phals for the most part but there's the odd one which is OK. Anyway, surprisingly enough the roots are almost all fine, and even more amazingly it has a cultivar label - "Wild Peach" (I don't know if it's a registered name). I'd hoped this might indicate a yellow/orangey variety - having googled it I think it'll be gifted away when it flowers again!

Completely unrelated but happy to spot today a spike on my Oncidium croesus, which was rootless when recieved in October. Seems to be growing happily now which is encouraging.

[MrHappyRotter]

I think your Brassia is an intergeneric hybrid, meaning it's a combination of Brassia and one or more other Oncidium alliance genera. I don't know what exact cross it is, but it may be an Odontobrassia or similar. To me, the biggest clue is that Brassia psuedobulbs are much more narrow and oblong, where as your plant's bulb is short and round. As for the flowers, there are Brassias with short, starry petals, but I'm still getting an intergeneric vibe from the flowers on your plant.

As for your questions about care, like just about anything else plant related, there are going to be differences of opinion on how to grow these, so you'll probably see a wide range of suggestions. Some things that work well for one grower might not work well for another. You may need to experiment a bit to get things right for you, your plant, and your growing situation.

In general for Brassias and Brassia intergeneric hybrids:

They don't like to dry out excessively between waterings. They like moisture, although the thick roots might indicate otherwise. In winter, or while the plant is not actively growing, you should let them get slightly dry between waterings, but in the warm months, they like to drink quite a bit. I don't know how easy it will be to get the watering right in that coir mix, though. I wouldn't let the mix get bone dry, unless you're growing the plant in high humidity, or temps are really cool. You'll know if you're not watering enough because these plants tend to produce accordion leaves on the new growths (you can Google it if you want to see images) when the humidity is low and/or they aren't getting enough water.

For light, Cattleya level light is good, but not usually necessary, and they certainly don't need more than that. In medium light levels, the leaves will be darker, and it may not flower as quickly or frequently. In brighter light, they'll dry out quicker, and they can sunburn, so you have to keep a closer eye on things. As a side note, I grow my plants in the same light levels as my paphs and phrags (medium light, LEDs) and they grow & flower just fine.

For temperatures, most resources will say Brassias and intergenerics prefer intermediate temps. In the summer, they should be protected from extreme heat, but I've found that with sufficient shade and watering, they handle heat well. Average indoor temps are usually fine, though some plants may be reluctant to bloom unless they get a big enough drop in night temperatures.

[PaphMadMan]

First impression - (almost) pure Brassia, and probably a hybrid. When I have a chance to consult additional resources I may have a more precise suggestion for you.

Take the sum of the apparently divergent care instructions to mean frequent water but perfect drainage for fast drying, and I would say it won't tolerate Cattleya dryness or beyond unless humidity is very high and temp and light are moderate. Watch for accordian pleating as an indication of water stress.

And if it isn't blooming well in medium light gradually increase it to the high Cattleya range only if you can provide high humidity and good air movement and keep temps moderate.

[PaphMadMan]

Far from certain here, but among widely distributed hybrids it seems to resemble Brassidium FANGtastic Bob Henley (Brs. Rex x Brsdm. Kenneth Bivin).

That would be (Brs. verrucosa x Brs. gireoudiana) x (Onc. cariniferum x Brs. arcuigera).

[jkofferdahl]

Being a Phal Phreak I can't even grope at an identification of the Brassia mix, but I sure can admire the flower! To me, if the plant is happy and growing well, the name is almost irrelevant - though I understand that it matters! The Oncidium looks very healthy, with good, plump bulbs.

But what I admire most is the Oncidium's mount. I love mounting, using sticks and branches, but haven't ever done one like yours. Well, yet - I'm now thinking of which of my plants to mount similarly!

[LexyBoy]

Thanks for the advice everyone - I don't have much in the way of bright light (excepting outdoors) so will indeed be starting in medium light. I've added some holes to the sides of the pot and will be careful with watering whilst it's in the coir mix. Hopefully the wide range of conditions given means they're fairly tolerant.

Originally Posted by PaphMadMan

Far from certain here, but among widely distributed hybrids it seems to resemble Brassidium FANGtastic Bob Henley (Brs. Rex x Brsdm. Kenneth Bivin).

That would be (Brs. verrucosa x Brs. gireoudiana) x (Onc. cariniferum x Brs. arcuigera).

Wow! Thanks for that, nice to have a tentative name.

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

The Oncidium looks very healthy, with good, plump bulbs.

But what I admire most is the Oncidium's mount. I love mounting, using sticks and branches, but haven't ever done one like yours. Well, yet - I'm now thinking of which of my plants to mount similarly!

Thanks! It's my first attempt, a bit of an experiment. So far so good - might be more of a challenge in summer to keep hydrated. There's also a white Phal (also spiking), Leomesezia Lava Burst and Rhipsalis on the mount. I put the Oncidium on the top of the log in the hope that it would hold moisture a bit better on the flattish part.