Blood red broughtonia

Description

Broughtonia sanguinea, also known as blood red broughtonia is a plant in the genus Broughtonia, a member of the family Orchidaceae. It was named in 1813 by its first describer, Robert Brown, for 18th century English botanist Arthur Broughton. Broughtonia sanguinea is a species native to Jamaica. Its small, egg-shaped and compact pseudobulbs measure from 2.5 to 5 centimeters in size. On the top of each pseudobulb, there are two 15–20 cm (6–8 in) long leaves. The leaves have a hard texture and do not break easily, and measures to be about 15–25 mm (1⁄2–1 in) wide. The flower spikes grow to 60 cm (2 ft) and produces long, clustered red flowers 25–50 mm (1–2 in) in size. The spikes are able to bloom for several months and the plant is able to bloom twice per year or more. The red flowers that bloom heaviest in spring, fall and winter have dark purple veins and a hint of yellow at the base. The flowers begin to bloom from the plants long, arching spikes. Each spike bears up to 10 flowers. The mature plants prefer intermediate to warm temperatures in which mature plants are able to grow year-round. Broughtonia sanguinea are found in Jamaica from 0 to 800 meters. In nature, this plant is found growing in a wide range that is tolerant to varying light conditions. Near the shore it often is found in trees growing on limestone soils. In areas of higher rainfall it grows high up on branches on trees such as the Guango. Broughtonia sanguinea prefers intermediate to warm temperatures; daytime highs of 21–27 °C (70–80 °F) and nighttime lows of 16–18 °C (60–65 °F) are acceptable winter temperatures. Summer temperatures can be a few degrees warmer. 50% or higher humidity is ideal for growth. This plant can grow from 0.9–1.2 m (3–4 ft) from a 430-watt son agro bulb. Plants should be mounted on treefern or cork and prefer dry outs between waterings. It is best to use distilled water. Overwatering can cause several problems such as root rot and infectious bacteria/fungus in the potting medium. Provide high humidity and good air circulation. This plant does best under fluorescent or sodium lights for artificial light culture. This plant as well as its hybrids are susceptible to pesticides, and they can stop growing and defoliate rapidly. Allowing the plant to grow again is difficult, and they may sit around for about a year or two before doing anything, if they do not die first from gradual dehydration.