Lycaste orchid is a beautiful plant with long- lasting large fragrant flowers. It produce multiple blooms in the Winter and Spring months. This plant has many subspecies and each other properties with different colours.
However, if you can provide the appropriate growing conditions, your plant may survive several years. I have shared the steps taken to grow this plant care in this article which will guide you.
Scientific classification of Lycaste Orchid plant Care
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Monocots
- Order: Asparagales
- Family: Orchidaceae
- Subfamily: Epidendroideae
- Tribe:Cymbidieae
- Subtribe: Maxillariinae
- Genus: Lycaste
Prefers of of Lycaste Orchid plant Care
- Light – Bright, indirect light
- Soil – Well draining
- Soil pH – 5.5 and 6.0
- Temperature – 70F to 80F
- Humidity – 40–80%
- Blooming time – Spring and early spring
- Flower colour – Red, yellow and pink
- Native area – South Mexico
- Toxicity – Non/toxic
Lycaste orchid plant care with some tips
Adequate amounts of water, light, soil, temperature and fertiliser should be obtained for the plant to grow. The problems and benefits of the plant have also been shared in this article. This article will help you with all the essentials you need to grow your plant.
If you want to know about the moth orchid care.
Light
Lycaste orchid plant prefers best moderate bright, indirect light. The ideal place is east facing window. Six to eight hours indirect light each day. Orchid require enough sunlight to produce flowers but some require full sun for the whole day while others grow better only in the shade. Leaf colour is a good indicator of the amount of light an orchid is getting bright green leaves and indicate a happy, healthy plant.
Water
Generally, water your orchid every 7 to 11 days when the mix the orchid is contained in gets dry. This plant does not need much water and prefer their growing medium to have the opportunity to dry out completely between watering, which can take about a week or so. You also want to avoid watering the leaves.
Soil
Lycaste orchid are potting in specific porous mix that can include sphagnum moss, fir bark, coconut husk, and tree fern fiber. It prefers sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5 is ideal. The potting medium should begin to dry out between watering. It allows excellent drainage, but provides some water retention.
Temperature & humidity
This plant prefers daytime temperature between 60-85 degree Fahrenheit and night time 50-60 degree Fahrenheit. It can tolerate 95 degree Fahrenheit and down to 50 degree Fahrenheit. This lower night temperature will help initiate flower buds in winter and promote stronger growth.
The ideal humidity level is between 50-70%. You can use the humidifier to increase the humidity level.
Fertiliser
The one thing that you apply to your plants outside is fertiliser. There are essential things you need to make such as how much temperature you need, if it is too much, you need to shift the pot to another place, how much soil mix you need. During the growing season feed your Lycaste orchid once every 2 weeks. Using high nitrogen content fertilisers at beginning of the growing season.
Propagation of Lycaste orchid plant
Most of the orchid prefers propagated by division. To cut the flowering stem above a stem inter node. It may produce plants called keikis look out for flower buds the start to develop roots, they can be cut off the mother plant and potted up. It may take a few years for the new plant to flower. After the new plants intiate, the mother and keikis can be move gradually back to higher light.
Replant each new section in a container. Keep it in near a window with proper care. Put the cutting in a moderate place with bright, indirect light until the plant is well-rooted and growing. If you see the new growth then water thoroughly.
Pruning of Lycaste orchid plant
Pruning is the essential part of its care that keeps your plant healthy and encourage lush growth. Trimming your plant for new growth to produce more new branches. Make sure to trim just above a set of leaves and regular pruning will also increase the chances of the plant producing its stunning, fragrant flowers.
The plant is likely dormant and can be pruned more dramatically. Remove any dead leaves back to the roots and take healthy stalks that have finished blooming down to around an inch from the main stalk. Healthy stems should the regrow. Use sterilised scissors to trim the damaged leaves.
Repotting of Lycaste orchid plant
This process should be done when a new growth showing and during the growing season. It best to done every 12-18 months. The potting medium should begin to dry out between watering. These orchids do best when the root system is left undisturbed, so repot only when the medium has broken down.
Keep your plant with proper care and wait a week before watering after repotting because a risk of root rot. Carefully remove the excess amount of soil from the root before placing this plant in a new container.
Types of Lycaste orchid plant
- Lycaste macrophylla : This plant has extra large flowers with long-lasting fregrant. It prefers high humidity and impressive blooms.
- Lycaste aromatica : It has produce bright yellow blooms with leafless stems. This plant can tolerate more sun and temperature fluctuations.
- Lycaste tricolor : This plant has red, green and white flowers. It can tolerate more sun and high humidity.
- Lycaste skinneri : It is most popular plant with pure white flowers. This is an evergreen orchid so it doesn’t like direct light.
Common problem of Lycaste orchid plant
- Bud blast is a disease that cause
incorrect watering, low humidity, or insufficient light. Buds may dry up and die. - Spider mites can cause speckled leaves that turn brown and dry. The pests can cause leaves, buds, and flowers to fall off, and weaken the plant.
- Lycaste orchid are turning yellow, it may be because the plant is getting too much water. Reduce watering, and the leaves should turn green again.
Benefits of Lycaste orchid plant
- Lycaste Orchid contains vitamin and antioxidants which can help keep your skin healthy. It can also help treat wrinkles and blemishes.
- This plant can help to remove toxins from your home. Reduce anxiety and improve mood.
- Orchid blooms are safe to eat and rich in vitamin, iron, calcium and potassium.