Chysis bractescens

Chysis bractescens Lindl., Edwards's Bot. Reg. 26(Misc.): 61 (1840).

Distribution: Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, Guadalupe

Chysis bractescens is a robust growing species which is found from Mexico and Central America. It is a large pseudobulbous plant which requires a rich almost semiterrestrial media, well drained, with lots of water and fertiliser when the new growths appear.

The flowers are magnificently waxy and thick in texture with prominent, toothed ridges inside the lip. The lip is also very nicely marked in contrast to the delicate tones on the sepals and petals. Chysis bractescens is deciduous, and after the leaves fall, the plant should be dried out, with just sufficient water to prevent shrivelling of the bulbs.

A repot into fresh media when new leads appear will promote robust growth and flowers. The foliage is much like that of Lycaste, Phaius, and should be protected from excess sunlight.