Lycaste skinneri, also known as Lycaste virginalis, is an epiphytic species, originally from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, with distribution at altitudes of 1650 meters above sea level.

The species was discovered in 1843 by John Lindley (February 5, 1799 - November 1, 1865), English botanist, horticulturist and orchidologist, being initially classified in the genus Maxillaria .

Long leaves grow from its large pseudobulbs, and the flowers, generally individual, are triangular, grow from the base of the youngest pseudobulb and measure between 10 and 15 centimeters. They vary from completely white (the " White" variety) to different shades of pink. This purity of colors makes it the best candidate for forming Lycaste hybrids.

The flowering period is usually between November and April, its peak being at the end of January and the beginning of February. A mature plant can produce between 4 and 12 flowers during the flowering period and they can last up to 6-8 weeks.

Lycaste Skinnerii is a hermaphroditic plant, capable of producing millions of seeds inside a capsule-shaped fruit. However, the conditions necessary for germination include the presence of a certain type of mycelium, which makes this plant very rare. Its commercialization is prohibited in Guatemala , where it is also called " Monja Blanca " - "White Nun"; it was chosen as the national flower due to its beauty and rarity , on February 11, 1934. In 1997, when Guatemala started producing the 50-cent coin, it was engraved on the obverse and reverse of the coin.

Lycaste Skinnerii is found in the humid forests of pine, oak and gum trees in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, being the most common in Guatemala. It can be found both in epiphytic and lithophytic regions. Although the species grows at altitudes of 1650 meters, it does not suffer from high temperatures during the summer nor from low temperatures during the winter, in the conditions of growing in the apartment. The species prefers lower temperatures, being recommended to keep the specimens at temperatures below 28 °C during the summer and 14 - 20 °C during the winter days and above 10 °C at night.

The optimal humidity is 50% - 70%, according to some authors, as a general rule, but experts recommend more complex schemes, which indicate a lower limit of 70% of the humidity index, with values ​​of 90% for the morning hours, because the air is too dry affects plant development by slowing down growth and by fading and drying flowers.

The indicated culture medium will contain a mixture of conifer bark with coal, expanded clay, horticultural foam and birch leaves, unglazed ceramic pots can be used to ensure adequate aeration of the roots.

During the periods of formation of new growths, Lycaste skinneri requires frequent and abundant watering, avoiding, however, stagnation of water in the growth containers or in their related trays, as it can cause the roots and the lower parts of the plant to decompose. Relative drying of the culture medium between waterings will be ensured. During the summer period, it is recommended to spray the plants, to increase the humidity of the air.

Fertilizations will be administered every 2-3 weeks during the growth period, at concentrations of 25% - 50% compared to the indicated dosage, its administration being carried out both radicularly (for the roots, by dipping) and foliarly (by spraying the leaves) , the most indicated method being alternating types of administration.

The rest period requires placing the plants in the lightest possible locations and maintaining them at temperatures of 14 - 20 °C during the day and at least 10 °C at night. Watering will be slightly reduced, being administered approximately every 2-3 weeks. If a pronounced dehydration of the bulbs is observed, weekly sprays will be used. Plants can bloom before and at the end of the rest period. The rest will end at the beginning of March, when the temperatures start to rise.

Lycaste skinnerii loves strong sunlight, but without it being direct, it being recommended to avoid exposure during the afternoon or evening, especially on hot days, when it is preferable to place the plants behind a curtain or in the shade of other plants, to avoid sunburn.

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