
Photo: Alexis López HernándezCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Lycaste lasioglossa Plant Care
Lycaste lasioglossa Rchb.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lycaste lasioglossa boasts large, glossy green leaves with prominent variegation. Originating from the cloud forests of Central and South America, this orchid species is highly sought after by plant collectors for its exquisite beauty and unique foliage.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Lycaste lasioglossa?
Plant Lycaste lasioglossa in bright indirect light (USDA zones 10b–11b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Lycaste lasioglossa Native To?
What Is the Lycaste lasioglossa?
Lycaste lasioglossa (Lycaste lasioglossa) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Lycaste genus. Lycaste lasioglossa is native to Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.
Lycaste lasioglossa displays a tall, upright pseudobulbs growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Lycaste lasioglossa produces large, showy flowers in various colors like white, pink, yellow, or purple.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Lycaste lasioglossa?
Water a young or newly planted Lycaste lasioglossa every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Lycaste lasioglossa Need?
Lycaste lasioglossa thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Lycaste lasioglossa in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lycaste lasioglossa Prefer?
Lycaste lasioglossa tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Lycaste lasioglossa prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lycaste lasioglossa?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Lycaste lasioglossa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Lycaste lasioglossa?
Feed Lycaste lasioglossa every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Lycaste lasioglossa?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining orchid mix with bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Lycaste lasioglossa is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 11b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Lycaste lasioglossa?
Lycaste lasioglossa can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Lycaste lasioglossa?
Prune Lycaste lasioglossa while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Lycaste lasioglossa in Winter?
Lycaste lasioglossa is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Lycaste lasioglossa?
Lycaste lasioglossa can be propagated through division, back bulbs, keiki propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to red lycaste plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Lycaste lasioglossa Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Lycaste lasioglossa, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Lycaste lasioglossa?
Lycaste lasioglossa is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Lycaste lasioglossa Need?
Lycaste lasioglossa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Lycaste lasioglossa is native to Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. In cooler regions, grow Lycaste lasioglossa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Lycaste lasioglossa is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Lycaste genus — compare its care with other Lycaste species on PlantoScan.
Lycaste is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Lycaste lasioglossa thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lycaste lasioglossa Rchb.f., family Orchidaceae (first published in Gard. Chron. 1872: 215 (1872)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Lycaste lasioglossa, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Alexis López Hernández, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
