Coryanthes speciosa
Coryanthes speciosa
Bucket Orchid
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Taxonomy
Family Orchidaceae · Genus Coryanthes
Description
Coryanthes speciosa, the famed bucket orchid, dazzles with huge, pendulous blooms and a wild bee-pollination trick. It thrives warm, bright, and humid, best grown in a slatted basket so the flower spikes can hang freely. A show-stopping, advanced orchid for enthusiasts.
Common Names
Bucket OrchidBee Bucket Orchid
Context
nativeRegion
Trinidad & Tobago, the Guianas, Venezuela, and northern Brazil in lowland rainforests.
usdaZones
11–12 (greenhouse/indoors elsewhere)
companionPlants
Stanhopea, Gongora, Catasetum, Bulbophyllum, Staghorn Fern (Platycerium)
culturalUses
Highly valued by collectors and used in studies/education for its unique euglossine bee pollination and aromatic floral oils.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, filtered light (about 2000–3000 fc); gentle morning sun, shaded at midday; avoid harsh direct sun.
WateringKeep evenly moist year-round; water frequently and flush well. Never allow to fully dry. Slightly reduce in cooler months, but do not dry out.
SoilOpen, airy epiphytic mix in a slatted basket: coarse bark or tree fern with sphagnum, perlite, and charcoal; fast drainage so spikes can hang.
FertilizerWeakly, weekly at 1/4–1/2 strength with a balanced orchid fertilizer; add Cal-Mag if using RO/soft water; flush salts monthly.
HumidityHigh—ideally 70–90%—with strong, continuous air movement.
TemperatureWarm to hot: days 75–90°F (24–32°C), nights 65–72°F (18–22°C); avoid drops below 60°F (15°C).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitEpiphytic orchid with clustered pseudobulbs and pendulous inflorescences.
Mature SizeClump 18–24 in (45–60 cm) wide; leaves 12–20 in (30–50 cm); hanging spikes 8–16 in (20–40 cm).
Growth RateModerate in warm, humid conditions; faster in long-day seasons.
BloomingTypically summer to early autumn; few very large, short-lived, intensely fragrant flowers; mature plants may bloom multiple times a year.
DormancyNo true dormancy; slight winter rest with reduced watering and feeding, but never dry.
Propagation
MethodsDivision of mature clumps (3+ pseudobulbs), Seed via sterile in vitro flasking
DifficultyAdvanced
Best SeasonSpring to early summer at the onset of new root growth
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove spent flower spikes and dry sheaths; avoid cutting green leaves or pseudobulbs.
RepottingRepot or refresh basket medium in spring as new roots start. Use baskets to allow spikes to hang; disturb roots minimally and only when media breaks down.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for scale, mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips; snails/slugs may damage buds. Root/soft rot and fungal spotting occur with stagnant air or soggy media.
ToxicityGenerally non-toxic to pets and people; sap may irritate sensitive skin in rare cases.
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