The Fragrant Spider Orchid PlantsThe name spider orchid plants bring with it all our images of spiders. What are yours? Some may be good and some not so good. These beautiful and very fragrant orchids are from the genus, Brassia. They have long slender septals which give them the appearance of a spider. Named in honor of William Brass, a 19th-century British botanical illustrator, this orchid grows in the wet forests of tropical Central and South America, but it is also comfortable in cultivation. Many of this genus Brassia are pollinated by parasitic wasps, which normally lay their eggs on spiders. The patterns and structure of Brassia orchid plant resemble a spider in its web enough to encourage these wasps to lay their eggs in the plants' blossoms and in doing so pollinate them. 
During their growth period, the development of the psuedobulbs and inflorecense (flower spike), they need more water and humidity.These orchid plants need to be kept moist during the growth period but not wet. Don't allow it to dry out. Once the growth season is completed let it rest for 2-3 weeks. Water it about once a week at this time.The humidity needs to be between 50 - 70%, a little higher than most orchids. Oh, don't forget the spider orchid plants, like many orchids need good air circulation. Bright light and not noon-day sun is needed for their light. It can be bright diffuse light. The potting medium need a mixture of charcoal, perlite, medium bark and peat moss. Don't worry about re-potting for a couple of years. These orchid plants will give you lots of wonderful fragrance when in bloom and they are a striking and elegant plant you will be proud to show off to your friends and family.If this information is helpful for growing spider orchids then try this page for information on other popular orchids. Want some great Orchid growing tips and information? Sign up for Orchidaceae Newsletter, it's free and generally out bi-monthly. Just use the sign up form above the navigation bar to the left side of this page. Return to the top of the Spider Orchid Plants Page
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