Lycaste skinneri, also known as Lycaste virginalis, is an epiphytic species native to Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, distributed at altitudes of 1650 meters above sea level.
The species was discovered in 1843 by John Lindley (February 5, 1799 - November 1, 1865), an English botanist, horticulturist, and orchidologist, initially classified in the genus Maxillaria.
From its large pseudobulbs grow long leaves, and the flowers, generally solitary, are triangular, growing from the base of the youngest pseudobulb and measuring between 10 and 15 centimeters. These range from completely white (in the "Alba" variety) to various 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, peaking 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 these 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 trade 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 began producing the 50-cent coin, it was engraved on both the obverse and reverse of the coin.
Lycaste Skinnerii is found in the humid forests of pine, oak, and rubber trees in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, being most commonly encountered in Guatemala. It can be found both in epiphytic and lithophytic stations. Although the species grows at altitudes of 1650 meters, it does not suffer from high temperatures during summer nor from low temperatures during winter when grown indoors. The species prefers cooler temperatures, with recommended maintenance below 28 °C during summer and between 14 - 20 °C during winter days and above 10 °C at night.
Optimal humidity is 50% - 70%, according to some authors, as a general rule, but experts recommend more complex schemes indicating a lower limit of 70% humidity index, with values of 90% in the morning hours, as too dry air affects plant development by slowing growth and causing flowers to fade and dry out.
The growing medium should contain a mix of conifer bark with charcoal, expanded clay, horticultural foam, and birch leaves, and unglazed ceramic pots can be used to ensure proper aeration of the roots.
During periods of new growth formation, Lycaste skinnerii requires frequent and abundant watering, avoiding water stagnation in the growing containers or their trays, as this can cause root and lower plant part decay. Relative drying of the growing medium between waterings will be ensured. During the summer period, it is recommended to mist the plants to increase air humidity.
Fertilizations will be administered every 2-3 weeks during the growth period, at concentrations of 25% - 50% of the indicated dosage, applied both radicularly (to the roots, by soaking) and foliarly (by spraying the leaves), with the most recommended method being alternating the types of application.
The resting period requires placing the plants in the brightest 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, administered approximately every 2-3 weeks. If significant dehydration of the bulbs is observed, weekly misting will be applied. The plants may bloom before and at the end of the resting period. The rest period will end at the beginning of March, when temperatures start to rise.
Lycaste skinnerii loves strong sunlight, but without direct exposure, it is recommended to avoid exposure in 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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