Lycaste Orchid – varieties and care

The overview of the Lycaste orchid genus reveals how diverse the species and varieties are. The following list tries to be as detailed as possible so that you can make an informed decision about your favorite strain.

Undemanding species and varieties

Lycaste aromatica
Its bright yellow flowers with a red lip are particularly eye-catching. Densely packed, they stretch towards the light at the end of their flower stalks. The flowering period extends from March to May. With a growth height of 30 cm to 50 cm, they tend to be among the smaller species.

• In summer heat up to 35 degrees during the day and around 15 degrees at night
• Winter rest from November to March mandatory
• Deciduous – the species and its cultivars all have spines

Lycaste skinneri
Large pink flowers appear from November to March on 40 cm long stalks above lanceolate leaves that grow to 75 cm long. This species is thus a typical example of the botanical opulence of tropical plants. The white flowering hybrid ‘Alba’ is the national symbol of Guatemala.

• Temperatures from 14 to 20 degrees during the day and 10 degrees Celsius at night
• The maximum summer temperature is 28 degrees Celsius
• Hibernation not required

Lycaste cochleata
A dwarf Lycaste orchid, Cochleata thrives with deep yellow flowers that appear in January. They do not reach more than 5 cm in diameter. Ideal for the small flower window. The species and all varieties are spined.

• Temperatures from 20 to 25 degrees and 15 degrees at night
• This orchid does not tolerate heat of more than 30 degrees
• From November, the flower enters hibernation

Lycaste deppei
This species, popular with hobby gardeners, has small white petals that stand out in striking contrast with the yellow lips, decorated with small brown spots. Deppei is mainly found in the mountains and has a correspondingly robust constitution.

• Knows how to come to terms with larger temperature fluctuations
• Thrives preferably at cooler 18 to 20 degrees in summer
• The winter break is not mandatory, but recommended

Lycaste ‘Strawberry Kiss’
Beautiful new variety with pink speckled flowers on a white background. It was bred in Japan so that it is better adapted to harsh climatic conditions.

• Summer temperatures of 22 degrees and higher are ideal
• Flowering time extends from spring to early summer
• Winter break is not required

Lycaste ‘Liberty Ruby Star’
Bright red flowers attract everyone’s attention. Like ‘Strawberry Kiss’, this variety comes from a Japanese offspring and makes similar demands on care.

Lycaste lassioglossa ‘Dark Geysers Gold’
Red- brown sepals enclose yellow petals, creating a particularly harmonious appearance. With a growth height of up to 50 cm, this orchid is one of the medium-sized varieties.

• This strain likes to be warm-tempered around 25 degrees Celsius
• Proves to be extremely light-hungry during the dark season
• The cultural requirements change only minimally during the winter

The species and varieties presented are considered by orchid gardeners to be ideal for beginners. Nevertheless, they require a rethink in terms of care compared to a classic indoor plant culture, as the following instructions show.

Substrate

For epiphytes, such as the Lycaste orchid, commercially available potting soil is not suitable as a substrate. It can certainly be planted in a pot without further ado; their roots there need a physically stable yet airy material to cling to. Understandably, only a special substrate for orchids from a specialist shop or directly from the breeder can meet these requirements. Alternatively, just mix it yourself:

• Organic materials, such as pieces of wood, charcoal, or pine bark
• Inorganic materials such as Styrofoam beads and foam
• Sphagnum, the peat moss from the moss family

For epiphytes, such as the Lycaste orchid, a mix of 2 parts bark, 1 part sphagnum, a handful of styrofoam flakes and a little horn meal for the nutrient supply is suitable. Coarse bark from pine trees, fruit trees or pine trees often does not even have to be bought. The components should be well dried to avoid any risk of rot. Settling orchids on wood is also not conceivable. However, you should only choose this variant if the dangling aerial roots do not bother you.

location in summer

Unlike most orchid species, Lycaste orchids should be protected from direct sunlight. This applies to the window seat in the room as well as to staying on the summer balcony.

• Bright, semi-shady location without blazing midday sun
• Mild morning and evening sun on the east or west window is ideal
• Depending on the variety, temperature expectations vary between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius
• Humidity required of 70% and higher

For all species and varieties, experts recommend staying outdoors during the summer. The favorable influences of fresh air and gentle rays of sunshine cannot be remotely achieved behind glass. Temperature fluctuations between day and night, which mean the end for sensitive orchid species, are very beneficial to the resistance of a Lycaste orchid.

location in winter

While the requirements for the summer location are on a largely uniform level, the premises for the winter location are dependent on the variety.

Lycaste species and varieties without hibernation

• Bright window seat at 15 to 18 degrees Celsius
• Maintain humidity at 60% and higher
• Protect from direct sunlight

Lycaste species and cultivars with hibernation

• Partly shaded location at a cool 12 to 15 degrees Celsius
• After the fall of leaves in autumn, the humidity is allowed to drop
• Even without leaf shedding, dry air is required for flower induction from January

The choice of location during the cold season therefore requires a close look at the cultivar-specific desires of your Lycaste orchid. While a cool environment is good for all strains, humidity intentions differ significantly, which has a direct impact on flowering.

humidity

The Lycaste orchid forms a large number of aerial roots in order to take the water it needs from the air. An air humidity of 40%, which prevails in German living rooms, is far from sufficient for an efficient water supply. At least approximately tropical conditions should be created with 60% to 80% so that the plant does not dry out.

• Spray the orchid daily with lime-free water during the summer
• Place bowls filled with water close to the plants
• Set up the flowers in an open aquarium with moist expanded clay on the bottom
• Place electronic humidifiers in the room

High-performance fog systems are suitable for a large-scale culture room, such as a conservatory, because standard air humidifiers from the hardware store quickly reach their limits here.

pour

Since the central supply of water takes place via the aerial roots, the gift of irrigation water is limited.

• Water moderately during the growing season in spring and summer
• The substrate should dry out between waterings
• Only use collected rainwater or decalcified tap water

Species and varieties that take a winter break gradually receive less water from autumn onwards. They are only watered to the extent that they do not dry out. The pseudobulbs (thickening on the shoot axis) must not shrink at any time. Lycaste orchids that flower during the winter receive a little more water.

Fertilize

As an epiphyte, the Lycaste orchid has learned to make do with what few nutrients are in the water. The orchid gardener then directs the administration of fertilizer.

• Supplement every fourth watering with fertilizer during the growing season
• Special liquid fertilizer for orchids is suitable

Organic fertilizers such as compost or horse manure cannot be processed by the orchid due to their botanical nature. Classic flower fertilizer in liquid form is usually too high for the modest demands of Lycaste orchids. The root area would become salty within a short time. For this reason, the use of special preparations is strongly recommended.

repot

At the end of the hibernation or after flowering, the hobby gardener takes a close look at his Lycaste orchid. If the flower is obviously too cramped in the pot, if the substrate is calcified and infested with algae, repotting is now on the care program. The new pot should only be slightly larger.

• Remove the orchid and shake off the spent substrate
• Cut out rotten roots, cut off withered leaves and flowers
• Slide the lycaste into the new container with the roots twisted in
• Fill in the fresh substrate, shake well and press down

Experienced hobby gardeners briefly immerse the root area in room-warm rainwater so that the substrate can soak up water. This has the advantage that the orchid is taken care of for the time being and can regenerate after the stress of moving.

multiply

The procedure of repotting should also be used for propagation by division. The potted Lycaste orchid is cut up with a sharp, sanitized knife. Each segment has at least 2 pseudobulbs, those small thickenings on the shoot axis. A little charcoal ash is used to treat the cuts before each section is placed in its own pot. The new planter should have a maximum diameter of 8 to 10 cm. Only fertilize again when fresh shoots appear.

diseases and pests

Among the many aspects that qualify a Lycaste orchid as easy to care for is its resistance to diseases and pests. If growth and flowering do not succeed as hoped, this is usually due to neglect in care. However, a stubborn pest keeps troubling the beauty of the flowers:

Spider mite
An infestation by the 0.5 to 1 mm small mites appears in the form of white webs when the orchid is sprayed. Spider mites thrive in a dry, warm environment such as a heated living room.

• Spray the Lycaste Orchid more often than before
• Shower off strong flowers with lukewarm water
• Then pack in a plastic bag for 3 to 4 days

If the infestation is already well advanced, the use of systemic preparations should be unavoidable. Instead of a spray, small sticks that are inserted into the substrate are recommended in living rooms. They release their active ingredients in the pathways and drive away the spider mites.

Conclusion
The Lycaste orchid presents itself as a multi-faceted genus with the mission of making it easier for beginners to get started with orchid culture. The linchpin of successful care is knowledge of the species or variety. This results in all specific requirements that do not require a green thumb to cope with. The flexible attitude to fluctuating temperatures, which a Lycaste orchid prefers to experience at a low level of around 18 degrees Celsius, is particularly striking. The cool beauty is therefore ideal for a summery performance on the balcony and terrace.