Lycaste powellii Plant Care

Lycaste powellii (Lycaste powellii) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Lycaste genus. Lycaste powellii is native to Panama and Colombia.

Lycaste powellii displays a tall, upright pseudobulbs growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Lycaste powellii produces large, showy flowers in various colors like white, pink, yellow, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Lycaste powellii 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.

Lycaste powellii thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Lycaste powellii in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Lycaste powellii tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Lycaste powellii prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining orchid mix with bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Lycaste powellii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Lycaste powellii 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

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 powellii is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Lycaste powellii 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.

Prune Lycaste powellii 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.

Lycaste powellii is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Lycaste powellii can be propagated through division, back bulbs, keiki propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to red lycaste plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Lycaste powellii 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.

Lycaste powellii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Lycaste powellii is native to Panama and Colombia. In cooler regions, grow Lycaste powellii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.