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Description
Brassia Verrucosa, also known as the ‘warted Brassia,’ is a species of orchid that belongs to the Brassia genus. It is native to Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia, where it grows epiphytically in cloud forests. The plant produces long, branching inflorescences that bear several large flowers, which are typically white or greenish-yellow with brown or purple markings.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Brassia |
Appearance
Brassia Verrucosa has long, thin, and branched stems that can grow up to 1.5 meters long. The leaves are leathery, dark green, and have a length of up to 30 cm. The flowers grow in clusters at the end of the stem and are about 8 cm wide. They have a unique appearance, with long, narrow sepals and petals that resemble spider legs. The lip is wide and flat, with brown or purple markings, and has a length of up to 10 cm. The flowers have a sweet fragrance that is similar to that of vanilla.
Care Guide
Brassia Verrucosa requires specific care to thrive. Here are some tips to help you take care of your plant:- Water: Water your plant once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not saturated. Avoid getting water on the leaves or flowers, as this can cause damage.- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced orchid fertilizer.- Soil: Use a well-draining orchid mix that is specifically designed for epiphytic orchids. Avoid using regular potting soil, as it can retain too much moisture and cause root rot.- Sunlight: Brassia Verrucosa prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, as this can burn the leaves and flowers.- Hardiness Zones: Brassia Verrucosa grows best in USDA hardiness zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Brassia Verrucosa is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:- Scale insects: These are small, brown insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems and suck sap from the plant. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Spider mites: These are tiny, red or brown insects that spin webs on the plant and suck sap from the leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Fusarium wilt: This is a fungal disease that causes the leaves to turn yellow and wilt. It can be treated with a fungicide, but infected plants may need to be destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Habitat
Brassia Verrucosa is native to the cloud forests of Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia. It grows epiphytically on trees, rocks, and other surfaces, using its roots to anchor itself and absorb moisture and nutrients from the air.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Brassia Verrucosa?
A: You should water your plant once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not saturated.
Q: What kind of soil does Brassia Verrucosa need?
A: Brassia Verrucosa requires a well-draining orchid mix that is specifically designed for epiphytic orchids.
Q: What kind of light does Brassia Verrucosa need?
A: Brassia Verrucosa prefers bright, indirect light.
Q: What hardiness zone is best for Brassia Verrucosa?
A: Brassia Verrucosa grows best in USDA hardiness zones 10-11.
Related Plants
– Brassia arcuigera- Brassia caudata- Brassia edvahlii- Brassia maculata- Brassia rex
References
– “Brassia verrucosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed June 14, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a523.- “Brassia verrucosa.” Orchid Species. Accessed June 14, 2021. https://www.orchidspecies.com/brassverrucosa.htm.- “Growing Brassia Orchids.” Gardening Know How. Accessed June 14, 2021. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/growing-brassia-orchids.htm.
