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Name: Brassia rex
This orchid was named in honor of 19th-century British botanical illustrator William Brass. It is native to Central and South America where it inhabits wet tropical forests. A lot of the species in this genus depend on parasitic wasps for pollination. These wasps lay their eggs on spiders and the orchids trick the wasps into carrying out pollination for them. If you look closely at the orchid you can see how the patterns and structures resemble a spider web. The wasp will lay its eggs inside the flower and simultaneously pollinate it.
Brassia rex prefers intermediate to warm temperatures. The recommended daytime temperature is 75-90° F, and nighttime 55-70° F.
Brassia rex grows best in partial shade (bright shade) and should not be exposed to full sun. Its light requirements are medium strong – about 3000 foot candles.
Brassia rex should be watered 2-3 times per week. Keep the medium slightly moist at all times, but never make your orchid stand in a soggy medium.
A fertilizer high in nitrogen is recommended for periods of the year when your Brassia rex orchid is not blossoming. During the blooming season, switch to a fertilizer high in phosphorus. It is better to use a weak fertilizing solution and apply it several times per week than to give your orchid a strong solution once in a while.
Brassia rex is usually grown in pots or baskets. It is important to use a well draining potting medium.