Lycaste Orchids are named after the daughter of Priam, king of Troy, and they are found abundantly in South and Central America, where there is sufficient cloud cover, high humidity, and normal temperatures of moderate to cool.
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Light
Lycaste needs a lot of light but not bright light to grow and flower well. Planting in an east-facing window is ideal because early morning sun is important. South-facing windows will also be appropriate, as long as the plant is provided with light from mid-February to late October using fabric blinds. Lycaste can be grown outside from June to late fall in places with filtered light, such as through pines or shrubs in the early morning or late afternoon. Take care not to expose these orchids to direct sunlight for a long time because the leaves will be sunburned.
If using artificial light for indoor growing, LED is the best choice for Lycaste.
Temperature and humidity
Lycaste prefers a day temperature range of 68°F to 75°F (20°C to 24°C). At night, at least a 10°F (6°C) drop is required, as Lycaste has nighttime lows between 50°F and 60°F (10°C to 16°C).
This lower nighttime temperature will help initiate flower buds in winter and promote stronger growth. Keep in mind that these are not frost tolerant plants and should not be exposed to temperatures below 35°F (2°C). When bringing Lycaste indoors in the fall, place them in a cool, bright area of the home, preferably in a south or east-facing window.
Lycaste is beneficial when humidity is between 50% and 70%. This can be achieved at home with the use of a humidifier or a Humidifier and Mesh Tray. Just make sure the plant doesn’t get waterlogged or the roots will rot.
Sprinklers
These orchids always like a moist medium. In addition to potting water, you can finely spray the foliage in sunny weather. Watch for pseudobulbs – as long as they’re plump and round, you’re watering properly.
If they’re shriveled up, you’re probably watering too much, or the roots may be rotting from overwatering. Keep the plants slightly dry between watering November through January. Continue watering normally when you see flower spikes begin to form to encourage their growth, which usually happens between January and March.
When repotting your Lycaste plant during the active growing season, do not water the medium for at least 3 days. This helps to harden cuts and breaks in the roots and prevent rotting when watered.
We always recommend watering in the morning, as this gives the leaves time to dry and prevents bacteria from growing overnight. If possible, use water that is low in alkalinity, such as rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water. If you have a dehumidifier in your home, the water left in the tray will be great for watering the orchid.
Nutrition
We highly recommend Green Jungle Orchid Food, which has been specially formulated to provide orchids with the nutrients they are likely to encounter naturally in their wild habitat.
If growing gourds in a bark mix, fertilize every time you water during the summer growing season, flushing with non-softening water once a month. This washes away the media containing salt and mineral buildup. If growing pots in a sphagnum or rockwool moss mix, fertilize every 3rd watering throughout the growing season. Stop feeding in September to put your Lycaste into its winter break. This is necessary for a successful flowering event in late winter or early spring.
Vote
Lycaste thrives in light, porous media that is able to retain moisture while draining thoroughly when watered.
These orchids grow best when their roots are undisturbed, so only repot when the medium is damaged. When the plant needs to be divided and repotted, it should be done in the summer after the plant has finished blooming. Peace lilies produce an extensive root system and may be more prone to “potting” than other orchids. Choose a pot that, once the plant has been centered, allows room to grow for at least two years. Remove all dead or dying roots of the plant, carefully removing old compost without damaging the living roots.
