Brassia verrucosa
spider orchid
A medium to large-sized epiphytic orchid, with elliptic, bright green, leathery leaves up to 40cm long and 5cm wide. Egg-shaped pseudobulbs are slightly flattened, 8cm tall and 7cm wide and partially covered with one or two basal, green, leafed sheaths. Flowering from spring to autumn on 60cm long, arching stems, carrying 10-20 flowers. Each flower is pale green or yellow, up to 15cm long and 10cm across. Petals ad sepals are long and narrow with dark brown markings. The distinct shape of flowers has evolved to mimic spiders to attract wasp species conducive to successful pollination.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Yellow Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Yellow Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | White Yellow Green | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Brassia are small to very large epiphytic orchids with ovoid to cylindrical pseudobulbs, each bearing 1-3 strap-shaped leaves and often showy flowers in racemes of up to 12 spider-like fragrant flowers from the bases of the pseudobulbs
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C. and S. America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in an open bark-based orchid compost with addition of perlite, sphagnum moss or coir. Provide enough bright filtered light, but keep away from direct sunlight or a heating source. Ideal temperatures are around 15°C minimum at night and up to maximum 25 °C during day. Water regularly, when the pot feels light when lifted. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant sitting wet. Orchid fertiliser can be applied regularly throughout the growing season. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months. The orchid will naturally produce aerial roots, growing outside of the pot. As with many orchids, they grow best when well-established and slightly pot-bound. Re-potting should be only done if the plant overgrows its container or before the potting mix starts to deteriorate - approximately once in 2-3 years.
Propagation
Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older pseudobulbs with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and scale insects.
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
Get involved
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