Lycaste species and hybrids are becoming
popular for their large numbers of long-lasting
flowers that offer a wide range of colors. Few
orchids rival a well-grown flowering lycaste
plant, such as Lycaste skinneri, in flower size,
shape and color. The myth that lycastes are
difficult to grow has been dispelled with the
increased understanding of these plants' habitat
and cultural requirements.
Most members of the genus share a common growth
habit with large plicate leaves, clustered ovoid
pseudobulbs and multiple lateral inflorescences.
Mature plants of the larger members of the genus
require substantial space due to leaf width and
span.
Lycastes have their ancestry in the cloud forests
of Central and South America. The genus of
approximately three to four dozen species is
distributed geographically from Mexico south to
Brazil. Lycaste plants most common in cultivation
belong to the Deciduosae and Macrophyllae
groups and are predominantly epiphytes and
lithophytes.
The Deciduosae, which includes Lycaste aromatica,
are typically found in mid-elevations where the
plants experience a distinct wet/dry cycle. In
winter and early spring these plants go
through a rest period. The plants are deciduous
and lose their leaves, which exposes the spines
at the top of their pseudobulbs. Flowers can
completely encircle the growing portion of a
plant. The Macrophyllae, which includes Lycaste
skinneri, are found at higher elevations,
typically above 5,000 feet in humid, breezy
mountain forests. These plants experience a
longer wet period and slightly cooler
temperatures. Lycaste skinneri exhibits a wide
variety of color types from true alba to
semi-alba to pinks to darker lavenders. It is the
foundation for most lycaste hybridization,
although Lycaste macrophylla contributes red.
Culture differs somewhat between the Deciduosae
and Macrophyllae groups, primarily in temperature
and water requirements. Recognizing the proper
culture, according to group, will make a
substantial difference in a lycaste's
performance. The more closely these conditions
can be duplicated in the home, the yard or the
greenhouse, the better these plants will grow and
bloom.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY:The deciduous yellow
lycastes and Lycaste macrophylla, as well as
their hybrids, are warmth tolerant and will
perform with temperatures into the 90 F range
provided there is sufficient air circulation.
Extra shading will help reduce temperatures in
warm areas. Also, many of the deciduous species
will tolerate cooler temperatures than the Lyc.
skinneri types. Lycaste skinneri types perform
best with temperatures between 60 and 80 F,
though they will tolerate slightly higher or
lower temperatures for short periods.
Ideal humidity is between 50 and 70 percent, with
as much ventilation or air circulation as
possible. Growing plants on gravel trays or
misting on bright days will maintain humidity, as
will grouping several plants.
WATERING AND FERTILIZING: Plants grown in
sphagnum moss or a mixture of fir bark and
perlite need to be kept evenly moist, not soggy,
or the roots may die. When in doubt, do not
water. Mature plants should approach dryness
particularly from blooming time until the new
growth appears; seedlings should be kept evenly
moist. The deciduous group prefers to dry out
more than the Lyc. skinneri types during the
winter rest period. Keep water off new growths to
avoid damage.
As for most orchids, high water quality with low
salt and mineral content is imperative. Feed with
a balanced fertilizer (20-20-20) at half strength
every other watering.
LIGHT: Filtered, indirect light of approximately
1,500 foot-candles is recommended. Direct sun
will burn the leaves and too little light will
result in few, if any, flowers. The leaves should
be bright to yellowish green. Yellow leaves
indicate too much light while dark-green leaves
indicate too little.
PESTS AND DISEASES: Aphids and scale are most
often encountered. Individual scale may be
removed with a cotton swab saturated with rubbing
alcohol. Infestations require spraying both the
top side and underside of leaves and new growths
with Knox Out, a formulation of microencapsulated
diazinon, which should be used according to
manufacturer's directions.
POTTING: Potting is done annually after bloom
when a plant's new growth is 3 to 6 inches tall.
This is usually in the early spring to the early
summer, but never during the hot summer months.
Clean off the old potting mix from the roots and
remove dead roots before potting in new mix. If
dividing plants, keep the divisions in clumps of
three to five mature pseudobulbs. Always
sterilize cutting tools to prevent the spread of
viruses.
Plants in sphagnum moss should be potted in net
pots or plastic containers that are well aerated
and drained. Those in fine fir bark and perlite
may be potted in plastic pots. Select a pot size
that will just accommodate the roots; do not
overpot.
Providing the correct cultural needs of lycastes
is certain to yield lovely flowering specimens
that enhance the aesthetic value of a collection.
