Brsdm. Nittany Gold 'Dr John' AM/AOS

This adorable Brassidium is another award winner and is a Kalapana Tropicals original, and  by far the cutest miniature 'Spider' orchid available! Brsdm. Nittany Gold 'Dr John' won an Award of Merit from the American Orchid Society and for good reason. A primary hybrid between Brassia verrucosa and Oncidium ghiesbreghtianum, it is less than half the size of other Brassidiums but still produces spikes that are full of miniature spider-like flowers. This cutie is also seed grown, which means that each individual will vary slightly in coloration, giving each plant a unique personality. 

While many Brassidiums can be quite large, Brsdm. Nittany Gold is a wonderful compact grower. It has all the dramatic flair of a "Spider Orchid" but in a much more manageable size, which is one of the things that makes it so popular.

The "Spider Orchid" parent, Brassia verrucosa, hails from the wet montane forests of Mexico and Central America, growing at elevations from 3,000 all the way up to 7,200 feet. It’s famous for the warty texture on its lip (the name verrucosa means "warty") and has a very distinct fragrance. The other parent, Oncidium ghiesbreghtianum, is a true high-elevation species from Mexico and Guatemala, living in cool pine-oak forests between 6,500 and 8,200 feet.

Knowing this, it's no wonder this is a compact grower! Both parents are smaller species that enjoy cool, fresh mountain air. This genetic makeup points to a plant that is much more of an intermediate-to-cool grower, which is a key detail for its care. It's a good reminder that not all orchids evolved and thrive in tropical heat.

The plant itself is a tidy, compact grower with firm pseudobulbs and leaves. The arching spike carries those signature "spider" flowers, which are about 3 inches long. The 'Dr John' AM/AOS cultivar is a stunner with its golden-yellow color and mahogany markings. The influence from Brassia verrucosa can often be seen in a subtly warty texture on the lip and can lend a unique, spicy fragrance to the blooms.

Care Instructions

Light: Provide bright, filtered light, similar to a Cattleya, in the range of 2,000 to 3,000 foot-candles. An east-facing window is excellent, or a shaded south or west window. The leaves should be a light, olive-green color.

Water: Water generously during periods of active growth. Allow the potting medium to approach dryness between waterings, but do not let it become bone dry for extended periods. When the pseudobulbs are fully mature, you can slightly reduce the frequency of watering until a new growth or flower spike appears.

Temperature: This hybrid is adaptable but prefers intermediate temperatures. Aim for daytime temperatures between 70-85°F and nighttime lows between 60-65°F.

Humidity: Moderate humidity levels of 50% to 70% are ideal. Good air circulation is very important to prevent fungal issues, especially in our humid environment here in Kurtistown.

Potting Medium: Use a well-draining, medium-grade orchid mix. A mix of fir bark, charcoal, and perlite is a standard choice. Since it's a compact grower, it will be in a smaller pot, so ensure it has excellent drainage to prevent the medium from staying wet for too long. Repot every two to three years or when the medium breaks down.