Water
Water thoroughly when the potting medium is almost dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Allow for good air circulation around the roots. Reduce watering slightly during cooler, less active periods.
Also known as Rat's Tail Orchid
Brassavola cucullata, the Daddy Longlegs Orchid, is an epiphytic orchid native to the Caribbean and Central America, known for its striking, spidery white flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, Indirect
75% intensity
Prefers bright light but avoid direct, intense sunlight which can scorch leaves. East-facing windows are often ideal.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow potting medium to almost dry out between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Orchid mix (e.g., bark, perlite, sphagnum moss)
50% intensity
Intermediate
50% intensity
Prefers intermediate temperatures: day 21-27°C, night 13-18°C. A temperature drop at night encourages blooming.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced orchid fertilizer diluted to half strength during active growth. Reduce in winter.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the potting medium is almost dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Allow for good air circulation around the roots. Reduce watering slightly during cooler, less active periods.
Pruning is generally not required for Brassavola cucullata. Remove any dead or decaying leaves or pseudobulbs as they appear to maintain plant health and aesthetics. This prevents potential disease spread.
Propagate this orchid by division. When the plant becomes large and overcrowded, carefully divide the pseudobulbs into sections, ensuring each section has at least three pseudobulbs and healthy roots.
Pot divisions individually.
Repot every two to three years or when the potting medium begins to decompose. Use a well-draining orchid mix, such as bark or charcoal. Repot after flowering, when new root growth is visible, to minimize stress.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Daddy Longlegs Orchid (Brassavola cucullata)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Brassavola |
| Species | Brassavola cucullata |
Similar in genus Brassavola
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
