Orchidaceae
Grasshopper orchid: Aromatic Plant
Lycaste locusta
Thrives in cool to intermediate temperatures with high humidity and bright, indirect light. Ensure the potting medium remains moist during active growth but allow for a drier rest period after leaves drop.
Every 5 days
Partial shade
12° - 26°C
60% - 85%
Categories
What is Grasshopper orchid?
Grasshopper orchid (Lycaste locusta) is a medium-care plant from the Orchidaceae family. Lycaste locusta, commonly known as the Grasshopper Orchid, is a fascinating terrestrial or lithophytic orchid native to the Peruvian Andes. It is renowned for its striking, deep green flowers that bear a resemblance to a grasshopper. The flowers are long-lasting, waxy, and emit a pleasant fragrance....
Grasshopper orchid grows up to 45cm, spread of 40cm, watering every 5 days, 12°C â 26°C, 60â85% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Grasshopper orchid is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 10 days.
How to Care for Grasshopper orchid?
TLDR: Grasshopper orchid needs Partial shade, watering every 5 days, and temperatures between 12-26°C with 60-85% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Grasshopper orchid?
Water copiously during the growing season, but significantly reduce frequency once the pseudobulbs have matured and leaves begin to yellow.
How Much Light Does Grasshopper orchid Need?
Provide bright, filtered light; avoid direct midday sun which can scorch the pleated leaves.
What Is the Best Soil for Grasshopper orchid?
Use a porous, well-aerated medium such as fine-grade fir bark mixed with charcoal and perlite.
What Pot Should You Use for Grasshopper orchid?
Plastic or clay pots with excellent drainage, using a mix of fine bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
Misting
Every 2 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Grasshopper orchid and Where Does It Come From?
Lycaste locusta, commonly known as the Grasshopper Orchid, is a fascinating terrestrial or lithophytic orchid native to the Peruvian Andes. It is renowned for its striking, deep green flowers that bear a resemblance to a grasshopper. The flowers are long-lasting, waxy, and emit a pleasant fragrance. It typically features large pseudobulbs and broad, pleated leaves that may drop during its dormant period.
How to Propagate Grasshopper orchid?
Pseudobulb Division
- Ensure each division has at least one old pseudobulb to provide energy reserves.
- Avoid watering heavily until new root growth is visible.
- 1 Unpot the Plant
Carefully remove the orchid from its container and shake off old potting media.
- 2 Identify Division Points
Locate groups of at least 3 healthy pseudobulbs with an active lead growth.
- 3 Separate Rhizome
Using a sterilized blade, cut the rhizome to separate the clusters.
- 4 Pot Separately
Plant each division in fresh orchid bark mix and keep humidity high.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Grasshopper orchid Grow?
TLDR: Grasshopper orchid can reach up to 45cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
45cm
Spread
40cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
In orchid circles, it represents uniqueness and the hidden beauty of the natural world due to its cryptic green coloration.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | â ïļ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â ïļ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | â ïļ |
