Aspasia lunata

A Brazilian, small sized, hot to cool growing epiphyte with strongly laterally compressed pseudobulbs carrying 2 glabrous, subcoriaceous, lanceolate to ligulate, acute, basally conduplicate and articulate leaves that blooms in the spring on a erect, 3 3/4" [9 cm] long, few [1 to 3] flowered, basal inflorescence.

The small genus Aspasia numbering approximately ten numbers grows epiphytically or lithophytically, and resembles the genus Odontoglossum in appearance.The species A.lunata is popular among growers for its showy -colored flowers. It forms a somewhat trailing rhizome with distanced pseudobulbs that reach 2 in /5 cm in height and bear two leaves at the top and several smaller leaves at the base.

The flowers are up to 1.6 in /4 cm in size and grow individually or in pairs on short flower spikes.The lip is flat and white with pink-purple venation and a spot in the center. The green tepals covered with brown spots harmonize well with the lip. Cultivation is manageable even for a novice orchid lover: the plant thrives if attached to a wooden support and placed in semi -shade,with a normal dosage of of misting and good ventilation. You can reduce temperature somewhat in winter. In early spring -April to May - the species blooms eagerly. A lunata comes from Brazil. After flowering a short 1 to 2 month rest is beneficial, resume watering and fertilizer with the onset of new growth and flowers best if given very cramped quarters in a small pot.