How to Grow Spider Orchid

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Spider Orchid

Brassia caudata

flower

Brassia caudata is a stunning orchid species native to Central and South America, renowned for its large, intricate flowers with elongated sepals and petals that resemble spider legs. The blooms are typically yellow-green with brown or reddish markings and emit a sweet fragrance, particularly in the evening. This epiphytic orchid is a favorite among orchid enthusiasts for its dramatic appearance and manageable care requirements.

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Example Spider Orchid timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Spider Orchid
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Spider Orchid blooms
Mid-to-late summer

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Spider Orchid dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Bright, indirect light; 12-16 hours daily under grow lights or near east/west-facing windows; avoid intense afternoon direct sun which can scorch leaves

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Water: Water thoroughly when bark begins to dry out (typically every 5-7 days during growing season); reduce frequency in winter; use room-temperature rainwater or distilled water; maintain high humidity (50-70%) with daily misting or a humidity tray

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Spacing: 12-18 inches between plants to allow air circulation inches

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Days to maturity: 3-4 years from seedling to first bloom; mature plants bloom 1-2 times yearly

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as in previous medium; pseudobulbs should sit just above the orchid bark surface

Soil

Type: Orchid bark mix or loose, well-draining epiphytic medium

pH: 5.5-6.5

Amendments:

Orchid bark chips Sphagnum moss Perlite Charcoal

Growing Zones

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Thrives in tropical and subtropical zones (10b-11); typically grown as a houseplant in cooler climates

10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

New Growth

3-4 months

Emergence of new shoots and pseudobulbs from the base of existing growths; new leaves unfurl pale green

Increase watering and humidity; provide bright light; apply balanced orchid fertilizer every 2 weeks at half strength; ensure good air circulation

Vegetative Growth

4-6 months

Development of full-sized pseudobulbs and leaves; plant establishes strong root system; foliage reaches mature size

Continue regular watering and balanced fertilization; monitor for pests; maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F daytime); roots may emerge from sides of pot

Flower Bud Formation

6-8 weeks

Flower spikes emerge from base of new pseudobulbs; buds form along the spike gradually elongating

Maintain consistent temperatures with a slight 10°F drop at night; reduce nitrogen fertilizer, switch to bloom formula; do not move plant; ensure bright light; maintain humidity

Flowering

4-8 weeks

Spectacular blooms open sequentially along the spike; flowers are yellow-green with brown markings, up to 6 inches across; fragrant especially in evening

Continue regular watering; apply low-nitrogen bloom fertilizer; avoid moving plant; remove any faded flowers; enjoy 4-8 week bloom period

Post-Bloom Rest

4-6 weeks

Flowers drop; plant enters semi-dormant period; growth slows temporarily

Reduce watering slightly; hold off on fertilizer for 4-6 weeks; maintain bright light; temperatures can cool to 60-65°F; this rest period triggers next blooming cycle

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Other Brassia species Oncidium orchids Cattleya orchids Phalaenopsis orchids Dendrobium orchids Paphiopedilum orchids

Avoid planting near:

Ethylene-producing plants (ripe fruit, ripening vegetables) Plants requiring significantly different humidity levels Competing dense foliage that blocks light

Common Pests

Inspect regularly; isolate affected plant; spray with 70% isopropyl alcohol or neem oil every 7-10 days for 3-4 weeks; apply to leaf axils and pseudobulb bases
Increase humidity to 60%+ as prevention; spray undersides of leaves with water; use horticultural oil or miticide if infestation occurs; repeat every 5-7 days
Remove by hand with cotton swab dipped in alcohol; spray with horticultural oil; treat every 7-10 days until resolved; may take several weeks
Improve air circulation; reduce watering frequency; remove affected leaves/pseudobulbs; apply fungicide; repot in fresh medium if crown/rhizome affected
Remove infected tissue immediately with sterilized knife; improve ventilation; reduce humidity temporarily; avoid overhead watering; use copper fungicide

Uses

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Edible Orchid Petals

Culinary

While not commonly consumed, orchid petals are technically edible and food-safe, sometimes used as decorative garnishes in high-end cuisine. Brassia caudata petals could theoretically be used this way, though their value is primarily ornamental. [source]

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Cut Flower Arrangements

Household

The dramatic, long-lasting flowers are excellent for floral arrangements, lasting 2-3 weeks in water. Their unique spider-like appearance makes them striking focal flowers in bouquets and displays. [source]

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Orchid Hybridization

Craft

Brassia caudata is used in orchid breeding programs to create hybrid varieties combining spider orchid characteristics with other Brassia and related genera. The species contributes its distinctive flower morphology to new cultivars. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

In tropical regions, the flowers attract specific orchid bee pollinators (Euglossini tribe) through their fragrance and appearance. The spider-like flower structure and sweet scent are adaptations for these specialized pollinators. [source]

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Traditional Medicine Uses

Medicinal

In some Central and South American traditional practices, orchid species are used in herbal preparations, though Brassia caudata's specific medicinal applications are not well-documented in scientific literature. Any medicinal use should be approached with caution. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Spider orchids are grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Cut flower spikes can be enjoyed in arrangements once 2-3 blooms have opened and last 2-3 weeks in water. Remove spent flowers from the plant to encourage continued blooming. Leave spikes on plant for potential reblooming. Best enjoyed when blooms are fully open and fragrant in evening hours.

Fun Facts

🌱 The common name 'Spider Orchid' comes from the elongated sepals and petals that resemble spider legs, and the flowers are actually mimics that attract male orchid bees (Euglossini) which mistake them for female bees.
🌱 Brassia caudata is an epiphytic orchid in nature, meaning it grows on tree branches in tropical rainforests rather than in soil, which is why it requires specialized orchid bark growing media instead of traditional potting soil.
🌱 The flowers emit an especially strong, sweet fragrance in the evening hours, which is typical of orchids pollinated by fragrance-collecting bees that are more active at dusk in their native habitat.

Gardening Terms

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