This hybrid appeals to the collector who looks at lineage, fragrance and flowering sequence. Brassavola 'Jairak Star' × Encyclia randii combines the bright, star-shaped silhouette from the Jairak-line with the characterful lip and spicy-sweet fragrance of E. randii. Expect elegant, airy blooms with good show-through coloring and plenty of "air" between segments-a plant that exudes tranquility at a distance and is full of detail up close.
Origin
Primarily within the Cattleya alliance: Bc. Jairak Star (Brassocattleya lineage; lineages include Brassavola and Cattleya) crossed with Encyclia randii. This combination is also known in the literature/record as Encyleyvola Jairak Crimson Star (Bc. Jairak Star × E. randii; 2024).
Characteristics
Habit: compact, upright pseudobulbs with firm, narrow leaves; ideal for pendant or open pot.
Flower form: star-shaped, slender sepals/petals; a broad, flat lip with subtle pattern (influence E. randii).
Smell: distinct and layered; vanilla/cocoa-like notes are typical of E. randii and often emerge best at dusk and early morning.
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Flowering rhythm: with ample light and good nutrition willing to repeat bloom.
Care
Light
Ample bright to filtered sun, Cattleya level. A south or west window with light filtering is ideal. Too little light gives long internodes and meager flowering; ample light keeps the plant compact.
Temperature
20-28 °C during the day, 15-18 °C at night. A slight 24-hour difference helps with bud formation.
Substrate / support
Airy and rapidly draining. In pot: medium coarse pine bark with coconut chips, supplemented with pumice or a little charcoal. As a pendant or on cork you get the most natural root activity and faster drying.
Pot or pendant
Choose a pot with generous drainage or a (wooden) hanging basket. Repot only when new root tips are visible; then the plant picks up faster.
Humidity & air movement
Aim for 50-70 % RH with constant, gentle airflow. Avoid stagnant, humid air.
Watering
Follow a wet-dry rhythm: water well, then let dry almost completely before watering again. More frequently in warm, light periods, more sparingly in winter. Preferably use lukewarm, demineralized water or rainwater. Ample monthly flushing limits salt build-up.
Feed
During active growth "weakly-weekly" weekly: ¼-½ label dosage. One watering per month only to keep substrate fresh.
Flowering
Buds set best in stable heat, ample light and light nighttime cooling. Once stem forms, do not turn; this keeps flowers neatly oriented. Flowers generally hold well, with noticeable fragrance in evening and morning (randii influence).
Taxonomic fact
Taxonomic note for enthusiasts: the name Encyclia randii is an accepted species name; the registered hybrid epithet Encyleyvola Jairak Crimson Star covers exactly this parent combination (Bc. Jairak Star × E. randii).
