Lycaste schilleriana

Lycaste schilleriana – Majestic Blooms from the Andean Forests

The Lycaste schilleriana is a magnificent species orchid native to the cloud forests of Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Named in honor of the Hamburg consul and orchid enthusiast Consul Schiller, this species produces large, waxy, long-lasting flowers that command admiration. With its impressive floral display and relatively straightforward care requirements, it is a standout species for intermediate to advanced orchid growers.

Key Features

• Flowers: Large, waxy blooms in shades of rose-pink to deep magenta, with a contrasting white and pink lip; flowers are exceptionally long-lasting
• Growth Habit: Sympodial, with robust ovoid pseudobulbs and broad, pleated leaves
• Plant Size: Medium to large; benefits from a generously sized pot
• Seasonality: Deciduous in the dry season; leaves drop naturally before blooming

Care Guide

• Light: Bright indirect light; some filtered morning sun is beneficial
• Temperature: Cool to intermediate, between 50°F and 72°F (10°C–22°C)
• Humidity: 60–80% relative humidity
• Watering: Water generously during active growth; reduce significantly during the dry rest period when leaves drop
• Fertilizing: Balanced orchid fertilizer bi-weekly during the growing season; withhold during rest
• Medium: Well-draining bark mix; avoid waterlogged conditions, especially during dormancy

When a Lycaste schilleriana comes into bloom, it is truly a spectacle — large, jewel-toned flowers rising on single stems from the base of the pseudobulbs, filling the space with natural grandeur. Carefully cultivated at Ecuagenera’s nurseries in the biodiverse highlands of Ecuador.