Brassavola gardneri - Orchid Board

Franco24 · #1 06-09-2015, 02:29 AM

Has anyone heard of this little gem?! I recently picked up a division of this with several new growths (currently not in bloom) from a gentlemen that told me " You won't find this species anywhere else - I'm the only one who has it!".

I can't find any information on it, let alone a reliable bloom picture. I have so many questions: Has anyone heard of it? Does anyone have it? What does the flower look like? Is it fragrant like many of the other brassavola?

I recently repotted her and she's enjoying the summer and rains outdoors. Hopefully I can get a bloom out of her with this new growth!

Tschimm · #2 06-09-2015, 07:56 AM

The gentlemen was right: I've never seen this species on the market.
It's on my list though...

Just treat it like a nodosa

IOSPE PHOTOS

Orchidbyte · #3 06-09-2015, 08:18 AM

I picked one up off eBay a few years ago, it was the only time I've seen it for sale anywhere. I grow it like my other brassavolas mounted on cork, with high light levels. Has not bloomed yet, but is putting on lots of new growth this year, so hopefully.

katrina · #4 06-09-2015, 09:11 AM

I've yet to find one too! And it's been on my list for at least 5 yrs.

What I've heard/read is that you'd grow it like you would most other brassavolas. I consider most Brassavolas easy...provided they get the light they need. Very bright light - very, very bright. Lots of water when actively growing but the roots do best if the plant can drain fast...less water in the winter if light is lower. Intermediate to warm temps.

Here's a pic -
B. gardneri

I can't vouch for the accuracy of the pic...it's not unusual to find mis-ID brassavola but it's the only one I can find and it certainly looks like the description I've read of gardneri.

isurus79 · #5 06-09-2015, 01:54 PM

So who is the gentleman you got this one from?

euplusia · #6 06-09-2015, 06:29 PM

I've heard of it and eventually grow it. There is a handful of closely related similar species, and until now exact characteristics and a guideline for species identification are missing. Not even Charles Withner "The Cattleyas and their relatives" Vol. 5 is a great help. I think that thorough field investigation must be carried out first.
Please post detailed pictures once your plant flowers.

Franco24 · #7 06-10-2015, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by euplusia

I've heard of it and eventually grow it. There is a handful of closely related similar species, and until now exact characteristics and a guideline for species identification are missing. Not even Charles Withner "The Cattleyas and their relatives" Vol. 5 is a great help. I think that thorough field investigation must be carried out first.
Please post detailed pictures once your plant flowers.

I most definitely will! I'm excited to grow this little beauty! I have three new growths, hopefully one will flower. I'm growing it in a 6" clay pot with a standard orchid mix and little bit of sphagnum moss (I severely neglect my orchids, so at least when it rains it will retain a little moisture - otherwise it dries out completely daily).

Tschimm · #8 06-10-2015, 03:59 AM

Does it really have "almost a pseudobulb" like IOSPE says ?
Could you please post a picture ?

rcb · #9 06-10-2015, 08:42 AM

This was being sold at Redlands this year, by Orquidea del Valle. I picked up a little pot of it.

Now whether it is accurately named, will have to wait to find out as the plants are quite young.

katrina · #10 06-11-2015, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcb

This was being sold at Redlands this year, by Orquidea del Valle. I picked up a little pot of it.

Renee, grow it up quick so I get a division from you.

Thanks for the tip on where I can look for it. I'll have to check when Andrea/OdV will be in the US next and if they have any left.