Cattleya Myrmecophila brysiana

Introducing the stunning Myrmecophila brysiana, a tropical delight for enthusiasts seeking to cultivate beauty in their gardens or homes. Native to regions stretching from Mexico to southern Brazil, these magnificent plants flourish in hot, tropical climates, offering an impressive display as they mature.

Standing tall at heights of up to 5 feet, adorned with up to 15 vibrant flowers, Myrmecophila orchids captivate with their grandeur. Whether epiphytic or lithophytic, these orchids bloom predominantly in spring, with flowers reaching diameters of 1 to 4 inches, adding an enchanting allure to any space.

This medium to large sized, hot to warm growing epiphytic species is from Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Colombia in low dense mangroves along rivers and seashores at elevations of sealevel to 200 meters and has fusiform-conical, hollow, sulcate pseudobulbs carrying 2, very coriaceous,ovate-elliptic, retuse at the rounded apex leaves that blooms in the winter and spring on a terminal, 3′ [90 cm] long, erect, paniculate, inflorescence partly covered by sterile sheathing bracts and fertile, triangular, acute floral bracts with many, showy flowers. Similar to M. tibicinis but different in having a distinct claw at the base of the midlobe of the lip and having 3 raised or elevated veins on the disc while tibicinis has 5 to 7. This species is often found in conjunction with ants and may benefit from theoir presence.

For tropical gardeners with a passion for nurturing exotic flora, Myrmecophila orchids thrive in environments rich in light, humidity, and space. To ensure their vitality, provide ample bright light, ideally eight to 10 hours daily, mimicking their natural habitat.

When it comes to soil, opt for a well-draining mixture like chopped sphagnum moss or perlite, enhancing drainage to prevent waterlogging and potential rot. Regular watering is essential, particularly during the active growth period in spring and summer, while adjusting frequency during fall and winter.

Maintain warm temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, with a minimum threshold of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in colder months. Humidity is paramount, aiming for 75 percent to 80 percent levels, facilitated by misting and humidifiers in indoor settings.

Nourish your Myrmecophila orchids with monthly fertilization using a balanced fertilizer, adjusting as needed to encourage optimal blooming. With proper care and attention, these magnificent orchids will flourish, rewarding gardeners with an enduring spectacle of tropical elegance.

Options:

- var. tipo - a near blooming size imported bare root orchid division; mounted or in 3" or 4" pot, about 3 to 4 years to bloom, grown from seed, limited!

- var ‘Orange’ - a blooming size imported bare root orchid division; newly repotted in 4" or 5” pot, or mounted, about 1 to 2 years to bloom, grown from seed, limited! Note: Could be shipped bare root.