Encyclia candollei

Encyclia candollei

Common Name: Candole's Encyclia

Native to: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala. Encyclia candollei grows on oak trees in mountainous forests between 500 and 1500 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Medium to large. The tightly clustered round pseudobulbs have two or three oblong, tongue-shaped leaves.

Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Flower Description: Mature pseudobulbs of Encyclia candollei produce a tall flower stem that cares between 2 and 8 flowers on a 36 inch (1 m) stem. The flowers are displayed high above the leaves and have a mild fragrance.

Bloom Season: Spring to Summer

Growing Temperature: Intermediate

Additional Information: Grow this species mounted on cork bark, tree fern, or driftwood. Cattleya orchid conditions are acceptable. Allow plants to dry between waterings and reduce water during the winter months to encourage dormancy and prevent root rot.

Synonyms: Encyclia flabellata; Encyclia laxa; Epidendrum candollei; Epidendrum cepiforme; Epidendrum flabellatum; Epidendrum laxum

Encyclia adenocarpa

Encyclia adenocarpa

Common Name: Swollen Fruit Encyclia Orchid


Native to: Mexico to Central America north of Nicaragua. This species is usually found in dry habitats and deciduous forests. Sometimes it is found growing on cacti close to the ocean. Encyclia adenocarpa grows from sea level to 1200 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Medium. Encyclia adenocarpa has tightly clustered cone-shaped pseudobulbs that have two or three long, narrow leaves.

Flower Size: Small.

Flower Description: The flowers are typical in shape for the genus. Encyclia adenocarpa bears a few to lots of flowers on simple or branched flower spikes that extend beyond the foliage. Flowers are well displayed. Fragrant.

Bloom Season: season

Growing Temperature: Warm

Additional Information: Encyclia adenocarpa is an interesting Mexican and Central American Encyclia species. The plants grow to form nice specimens with time and the flowers are well-displayed. Grow mounted on cork or in slatted baskets. Let plants dry between water. This species may require more light than standard Cattleya conditions.

Synonyms: Encyclia papillosa; Epidendrum adenocarpon; Epidendrum adenocarpon var. rosei; Epidendrum crispatum; Epidendrum papillosum

Laelia purpurata

Laelia purpurata

Native to: Brazil. Laelia purpurata grows high in the tree canopy where it is exposed to bright light and lots of good air circulation. Native to the regions of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.

Plant Size: Medium to large-sized plant resembles unifoliate Cattleya plants. The tall pseudobulbs of Laelia purpurata have one leathery leaf. Overall plant height can exceed 2 feet (60 cm). Flowers develop in a green sheath on the new growth. Leaves are medium to dark green in color.

Flower Size: 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm). This species has the largest flower of all the Laelias.

Flower Description: Very showy, fragrant, and long-lasting. Flowers of Laelia purpurata develop on a 12 to 15 inch long raceme and have between 3 to 7 flowers. The individual flowers are well-spaced and make an attractive display. The typical form has white petals and sepals and a purple lip. There is a great deal of color variation in the species. There are concolor lavender, semi-alba, white, vinicolor, delicata, flared and blue color forms of Laelia purpurata with a variety of markings and striping within the lip. There are many named varieties available.

Bloom Season: Late Spring to Fall

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm. Grows well with unifoliate Cattleya species and hybrids.

Additional Information: Laelia purpurata is the most popular of all Laelias and has been used by breeders to make some of the most beautiful Cattleya hybrids.  In Brazil, there are collectors who specialize in this species and shows dedicated to the "Queen" of the Laelias. It is the national flower of Brazil.

Many different color forms exist (this is a partial list):

• Laelia purpurata tipo - Typical form

• Laelia purpurata var. alba - White petals and sepals with a yellow throat.  Laelia purpurata var. alba ‘Marcia Richter’ is a particularly fine cultivar. 
• Laelia purpurata var. carnea - Pale pink petals and sepals with a darker red-pink lip

• Laelia purpurata var. rosea - Rose pink flowers with darker lip
• Laelia purpurata var. russeliana - Medium pink petals and sepals with a dark pink lip
• Laelia purpurata var. sanguinea - Flowers are the color of red wine and have dark purple lips.
• Laelia purpurata var. semi-alba - Pure white petals and sepals with a colored lip.
• Laelia purpurata var. werkhauseri - Flowers have white petals and sepals and a blue.

Laelia purpurata is easy to grow and not particularly fussy in cultivation. Grow in pots or baskets with fir bark or lava rock or any other suitable well-drained orchid growing medium. Some growers prefer to use clay pots rather than plastic.

Synonyms: Amalia purpurea; Bletia casperiana; Bletia purpurata; Cattleya brysiana; Cattleya casperiana; Cattleya purpurata; Hadrolaelia purpurata; Laelia casperiana; Laelia russelliana; Laelia wyattiana; Sophronitis purpurata


More Posts on Laelia purpurata:

• Selected Laelia purpurata color varieties and pictures

Laelia caulescens

Laelia caulescens

Native to: Brazil. Laelia caulescens is found in the state of Minas Gerais near Belo Horizonte. It is extremely common in its native habitat where it grows on rocky ledges between 600-1200 meters in elevation. Laelia caulescens grows amongst open vegetation exposed to high light. The constant breeze helps keep the foliage cool and the roots are protected by lichens and some soil. Rupicolous.

Plant Size: Medium. Laelia caulescens grows from 8-20 cm tall. Pseudobulbs are larger at the base and grow 3-8 cm high. The recurved leathery leaf grows 6-12 cm long. The flower stalk is much taller than the leaves.

Flower Size: 1 1/2 inches (4-5 cm)

Flower Description: Flowers of Laelia caulescens are lavender, purple, violet or pink in color although white and one coerulea form exist. There are 3 to 6 flowers per spike.

Bloom Season: Fall, Winter

Growing Temperature: Intermediate

Additional Information: Laelia caulescens is one of the most common rupicolous laelias in the wild and adapts well to cultivation. Grow in an inorganic growing medium in clay pots. Grow like other rupicolous laelias.

Synonyms: Hoffmannseggella caulescens; Sophronitis caulescens

Laelia briegeri

Laelia briegeri

Native to: Brazil. Found in the states of Minas Gerais above 1100 meters in the area of Serro and Lapinnae Cabeca do Bernando.

Plant Size: Medium. Plants grow 17-20 cm tall. The leaves are channeled and held upright.

Flower Size: Small.

Flower Description: The flower color of Laelia briegeri ranges from creamy wight to dark yellow gold. The 27 cm flower spike bears 3 to 5 flowers clustered at the tip. Flowers are well displayed and stand high above the foliage. Petals and sepals are wider than most other rupicolous species and attractive. An alba form has been discovered in the wild.

Bloom Season: May-June

Growing Temperature: Intermediate

Additional Information: Laelia briegeri is naturally tetraploid with 80 chromosomes. Plants are robust and easy to grow. Grow like other rupicolous laelias.

Synonyms: none

Laelia blumenscheinii

Laelia blumenscheinii

Native to: Laelia blumenscheinii is native to Brazil and is found in the state of Espirito Santo.
Plant Size: Small. The pseudobulbs of Laelia blumenscheinii grow 12 to 15 cm tall and leaves grow to 17 cm long. Leaves have a rough texture. The overall plant color is dark green with a reddish flush.
Flower Size: 1 3/4 inches (4 cm)
Flower Description: The flowers of Laelia blumenscheinii are an attractive citron yellow color with pale brown veins on the lip. The flower spike is tall, growing to 38 cm or more and has between 5 to 12 flowers clustered at the tip. Petals and sepals are pointed and slightly reflexed. An alba form of Laelia blumenscheinii has been discovered.
Bloom Season: January to February
Growing Temperature: Intermediate

Additional Information: Grow like other rupicolous laelias in an inorganic growing media in small clay pots. Provide bright light and average humidity.
Synonyms: Hoffmannseggella blumenscheinii; Hoffmannseggella cardimii; Laelia cardimii; Sophronitis blumenscheinii

Laelia bancalarii

Laelia bancalarii

Native to: Mexico. Laelia bancalarii is endemic to the western slopes of Jalisco. It is found growing on evergreen oak trees above 1000 meters in elevation.
Plant Size: Medium. The plant is very similar to Laelia autumnalis but the leaves are longer; 10 inches (25 cm) long and 1" (2.5 cm) wide. Bifoliate.
Flower Size: 4 inches (10 cm)
Flower Description: Similar to Laelia autumnalis. The flower color ranges from rose-purple to pink. The lip has darker color on the lobe and is white toward the center with yellow keels. The flower stalk is long and has 6 or 7 flowers near the end of the inflorescence.
Bloom Season: January to April
Growing Temperature: Cool to Intermediate
Additional Information: The culture of Laelia bancalarii is the same as for Laelia autumnalis. It grows well mounted on cork bark or a branch but adapts to container culture if given a coarse, well-drained growing media. Provide a cool, dry winter rest period. Once, this species was classified as a variety of Laelia autumnalis but was elevated to species status due to its unique spring blooming habit.
Synonyms: Laelia autumnalis atrorubens

Laelia bahiensis

Laelia bahiensis

Native to: Brazil. Laelia bahiensis grows in the Sierra da Sincora Mountains in the state of Bahia and Sierra do Calabocaria and Sierra do Capa-Bode.
Plant Size: Miniature. The pseudobulbs of Laelia bahiensis grow 4-7 cm tall and are bulbous towards the base. A single leaf grows 6.5-8 cm tall and is 1.5-2 cm wide. Laelia bahiensis may increase in size when grown in lower light conditions than in its native habitat. Young growths are sometimes bifoliate, but mature plants have only one leaf. Foliage color is dark green with a reddish coloration on the underside of the leaf.
Flower Size: 1.25-1.5 inches
Flower Description: The flower stalk of Laelia bahiensis is tall and grows from 30-70 cm tall and has 4 to 12 flowers clustered at the top of the spike. Flowers open sequentially. Flower color is a deep yellow with red veining visible in some flowers.
Bloom Season: April to May
Growing Temperature: Intermediate
Additional Information: Culture is like other rupicolous laelias. Grow Laelia bahiensis in inorganic media (Aliflor or Solite) in clay pots. Provide bright light. Let dry between watering. It is beneficial to let the plants have a cool, dry rest during the winter. This species is closely related to Laelia endsfeldzii but has smaller pale yellow flowers and varies in other minor floral details.
Synonyms: Hoffmannseggella bahiensis; Sophronitis bahiensis

Laelia autumnalis

Laelia autumnalis

Native to: Laelia autumnalis is native to Mexico. Grows between 1500 and 2600 meters in elevation in the mountains of the central and southern part of the country on scrubby evergreen oaks and moss-covered rocks.

Plant Size: Small to Medium. Laelia autumnalis has conical pseudobulbs that are topped with 2 to 3 long leathery leaves. Pseudobulbs become wrinkled and furrowed with age. Flower stems are arching and grow between 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) long.

Flower Size: 3 to 4 inches (7.5-10 cm)

Flower Description: Fragrant, long-lasting flowers range from purple to lavender in color. There is a a lot of variation in flower color. Flowers of Laelia autumnalis are waxy and of good substance.

Bloom Season: Fall, Winter

Growing Temperature: Cool to Intermediate

Additional Information: Laelia autumnalis is another popular Mexican Laelia that is frequently grown outdoors in Southern California. It prefers the same temperature range as Laelia anceps and Cymbidiums but readily adapts to greenhouse culture if it has cooler night temperatures. Does well mounted or in a pot with coarse growing media and excellent drainage. The plants require high light and cooler night temperatures (especially in the winter) in order to be successful in cultivation. Overwatering is the most common problem; reduce watering during the winter dormant period.

Synonyms: Amalia autumnalis; Bletia autumnalis; Cattleya autumnalis; Laelia autumnalis f. atrorubens; Laelia autumnalis f. xanthotrophis; Laelia autumnalis var. atrorubens; Laelia autumnalis var. venusta; Laelia autumnalis var. xanthotrophis; Laelia venusta

Laelia angereri

Laelia angereri

Native to: Brazil. Laelia angereri is found in the Diamantina region in the northeast portion of the state of Minas Gerais. Rupicolous. Laelia angereri is found growing under shrubs and among grasses between 1000 meters and 1300 meters in elevation. Summers are hot; winters are cool and dry.
Plant Size: Medium (tall for a rupicolous laelia). The pseudobulbs of Laelia angereri grow 34-35 cm tall and are topped with 12 inch (30 cm) long erect, dark green leaf. When given proper light, the foliage has a reddish cast.
Flower Size: 2 inches (5 cm)
Flower Description: The flowers of Laelia angereri are brick-red to orange in color. The flowers talk grows 12 inches (30 cm) and has between 5 and 15 flowers grouped near the top. The petals and sepals are of medium width. Petals are blunt and sepals are pointed and sometimes have a whitish area at the base. Petals and sepal reflex like Laelia cinnabarina.
Bloom Season: Spring
Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Cool.
Additional Information: Laelia angereri was first described to science in 1971. This is a curious species that is not often seen in collections. Use inert growing media (Aliflor or Solite) mixed with shredded tree fern fiber for best results. Clay pots may be a better choice than plastic pots. Let dry between watering and mist the foliage for humidity. Needs high levels of light.
Synonyms: Hoffmannseggella angereri; Sophronitis angereri

Laelia anceps

Laelia anceps

Native to: Laelia anceps is native to eastern Mexico and rarely in Honduras and Guatemala and grows from 500 to 1500 meters in elevation in mixed pine-oak forest and coffee plantations.

Plant Size: Medium. Oval pseudobulbs of Laelia anceps are topped with one thick, long, leathery dark green leaf. It is a vigorous grower and creates impressive specimens with time. The growing season is April through November.
Flower Size: 2 1/2 to 4 inches (6.25-10 cm)
Flower Description: Fragrant. The star-shaped flowers of Laelia anceps are long lasting. Three to six flowers grow at the end of a 2 to 4 foot (60-120 cm) long arching flower stem. Flower color ranges from lavender to pink and white. There are "blue" forms available. Was the flower buds during formation to prevent them from sticking together.
Bloom Season: Fall, Winter. Some plants bloom at Christmas time.
Growing Temperature: Cool to Warm. Laelia anceps needs cool night temperatures in winter. Tolerates temperatures down to 32 F (0 C).
Additional Information: Great for the beginner. Laelia anceps is a widely collected, easy-to-grow species from Mexico. Its ability to tolerate a wide variety of growing extremes and attractive flowers has made it popular with collectors. California orchid collectors even grow Laelia anceps outdoors in frost-free areas along with Cymbidiums.
Plants tolerate extremes of heat and cold. Plants grow well mounted on tree logs or cork plaques or in pots with a coarse, open media. Provide bright light (2000-3500 foot-candles) and good air circulation year-round. Increase shade and humidity during extreme heat (temperatures near 100 F). Keep on the dry side during the winter dormancy period. Repot when the potting media breaks down or the plant grows over the edge of the pot. The best time to do this is after flowering in the spring before new roots begin to grow.
In subtropical areas, Laelia anceps can be naturalized on trees in the garden. Oaks, jacarada, palms, citrus, fiejoa, dracinias, and white birch are good choices. Avoid mounting on pine trees. Plants should be tied or stapled to trunks and branches. Water mounted plants daily during spring through fall.
There are several forms of Laelia anceps available. All have the same long, graceful flower spike with attractively colored flowers. There are alba (white), semi-albas (white with a pink lip), striped (var. striata), and blue (var. veitchiana) forms. Some California nurseries specialize in this species.
Synonyms: Amalia anceps; Amalias anceps; Bletia anceps; Cattleya anceps; Laelia barkeriana

Laelia albida

Laelia albida

Native to: Mexico. Laelia albida common in the states of in the states of Sinaloa, Durango, Nayarit, Jalisco, Michoacan, Guerrero, Oaxaca and Puebla. Laelia albida grows high in the mountains in mixed oak-pine forests at elevations of 7000 to 8000 feet (2500-3000 meters). They usually grow on bark without the benefit of moss. There is a distinct cool season in the winter when the plants are dormant. Plants from the state of Oaxaca have the most diversity in flower size and color.

Plant Size: Medium. Pseudobulbs of Laelia albida are conical and wrinkle with age. Two to three dark green linear leaves grow from the top of the pseudobulb.


Flower Size: 2 to 3 inches (5-7.5 cm). Plants of Laelia albida from the northwestern part of the habitat produce very short inflorescences that hardly extends beyond the leaves and the flowers are smaller than populations from other parts of the range.


Flower Description: Fragrant (like primrose or honey). White or white suffused with pink. There are splash petal forms available. There are three raised ridges on the lip that are yellow in color. The midlobe is rosy-purple. The flower stem of Laelia albida ranges from 15 inches to 24 inches in length and bears between 2 and 9 flowers. There are white, pink, salmon, and rose clones of Laelia albida available.

Bloom Season: Fall, Winter. The peak flowering season is between November and January.

Growing Temperature: Cool to Warm

Additional Information: Needs a bright, cool dormant period during the winter to thrive. Keep Laelia albida dry during the winter. Grows well mounted or in pot with coarse bark media. Needs excellent drainage. Hardy and temperature tolerant. It can be grown outside in frost-free areas like Southern California. Laelia albida will grow acceptably well in a Cattleya greenhouse if it can be kept on the cool side during the winter.

Laelia alaorii

Laelia alaorii

Native to: Brazil. Rare. Laelia alaorii is found in the State of Bahia where it grows in low mountain rain forests in southeastern Brazil.
Plant Size: Miniature. 3 to 4 inches (10 cm) high. The rhizome of Laelia alaorii creeps along and the pseudobulbs arch upwards. There is a single narrow dark green leaf.
Flower Size: 1 3/4 inches (4.35 cm)
Flower Description: Fragrant. Petals are broad and some clones do not fully open. The flower color ranges from white, light pink or lavender, and the lip may be yellow to cream. Each growth of Laelia alaorii produces only one flower.
Bloom Season: Blooms when a new growth matures which can be any time.
Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm
Additional Information: Laelia alaorii is uncommon in collections and was only described in the 1970s. Many people grow this species with ease. Provide bright light and average humidity and air circulation.
Synonyms: Hadrolaelia alaorii; Laelia alaorii f. dietliana; Sophronitis alaorii

Brassavola venosa

Brassavola venosa

Common Name: The Veined Lip Brassavola

Native to: Brassavola venosa is found growing at low elevations from Costa Rica to Honduras. It grows on trees in dry forest environments below 350 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Small to Medium.

Flower Size: 4.75 inches (11 cm)

Flower Description: The flower of Brassavola venosa is very similar to Brassavola nodosa. This species has raised veins or ridges on the lip to differentiate it.

Bloom Season: Spring. Sometimes Brassavola venosa blooms twice per year.

Growing Temperature: Warm, Intermediate

Additional Information: This species is closely related to Brassavola nodosa and can be grow in a similar manner. Grow on plaques or mounts and provide bright light and good air circulation. Water heavily during the growing season and reduce watering during cooler months. Easy to grow.

Synonyms: Bletia venosa; Brassavola nodosa var. venosa

Brassavola tuberculata

Brassavola tuberculata

Common Name: Rough or Tuberculated Brassavola
Native to: Brassavola tuberculata is native to Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia where it grows on trees in the hot, humid savannahs.

Plant Size: Medium. Brassavola tuberculata has narrow, cylindrical pseudobulbs and narrow, terete leaves. Stems are somewhat pendent.

Flower Size: 2.5 inches to 3 inches

Flower Description: The petals and sepals are green in color. The lip is white with a solid margin.

Bloom Season: Late Spring, Early Summer

Growing Temperature: Warm, Intermediate

Additional Information: Brassavola tuberculata grows best mounted on cork bark mounts. Provide lots of water during the growing season and less during the winter.

Synonyms: Bletia tuberculata; Brassavola fragrans; Brassavola gibbsiana; Brassavola trinervis; Brassavola tuberculata; Tulexis bicolor

Brassavola retusa

Brassavola retusa


Common Name: Retuse Brassavola
Native to: Brazil and Peru. Brassavola retusa grows on trees.
Plant Size: Medium. Slender, fleshy leaves of Brassavola retusa grow on top of narrow pseudobulbs. Leaves are narrow and dark green.
Flower Size: Medium
Flower Description: The flowers of Brassavola retusa have narrow, greenish petals and sepals and a broad white lip. Flowers are fragrant.
Bloom Season: Fall
Growing Temperature: Intermediate, Warm
Additional Information: The nomenclature of Brassavola retusa is in flux right now. More will be posted when I can figure it all out.
Synonyms: Bletia retusa; Brassavola revoluta

Brassavola perrinii

Brassavola perrinii

Common Name: Perrin's Brassavola

Native to: Brassavola perrinii is found growing in Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina.

Plant Size: Small to Medium. Brassavola perinii is pendent and the leaves and pseudobulbs droop. The leaves are fleshy and terete and the pseudobulbs are narrow and cylindrical.

Flower Size: 2.5 to 5 inches

Flower Description: The flowers of Brassavola perinii are star-shaped with narrow, pointed olive green petals and sepals. The lip is white and broad and heart-shaped. Flowrs are fragrant. Flowers of Brassavola perrinii grow on a short flower spike and three to six flowers bloom on each inflorescence.

Bloom Season: Spring, Summer

Growing Temperature: Warm to Hot

Additional Information: This species is quite attractive and grows well mounted on cork, wood, or tree fern plaques. Provide ample water and fertilizer during the growing season and reduce water during the cooler winter months. Provide bright light, good air circulation, and high humidity.

Synonyms: Brassavola fragrans

Brassavola nodosa

Brassavola nodosa

Common Name: Lady of the Night

Native to: Brassavola nodosa is native to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Venezuela. It is quite common along the Gulf Coast of Mexico where it is found growing below 500 meters. This species is also found growing on the Pacific Coast of the Mexican state of Chiapas. Trees, mangroves, and coastal cliffs are where the plants are found growing. There is a pronounced winter dry season.

Plant Size: Medium. The pseudobulbs are slender and have fleshy terete leaves that are shallowly notched. Pseudobulbs grow to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and the overall height of the plant reaches up to 18 inches (45 cm). Leaves grow 4 inches to 12 inches long (10-30 cm) and are quite narrow.

Flower Size: 3.5 inches (8 cm)

Flower Description: Fragrant at night. The flowers of Brassavola nodosa has narrow, pointed petals and sepals that are olive green. The lip is white and heart-shaped with a non-frilly margin. Flowers are fragrant at night. The 6 inch (15 cm) flower spike produces between one and six long-lasting flowers.

Bloom Season: Spring. Sometimes twice a year.

Growing Temperature: Warm, Intermediate

Additional Information: Brassavola nodosa is an easy-to-grow orchid that is great for beginners and rewarding for experienced growers. Medium to bright light is required (2500-3500 footcandles). Provide high humidity and good air circulation. Brassavola nodosa is best grown mounted on wood, cork plaques, or tree fern mounts. Provide ample water and fertilizer during the growing season and cut back water during the winter.
This species has been extensively used in producing easy-to-grow hybrids. Many people start off with this species and its hybrids because they are easy to grow and flower more than once a year.

Synonyms: Bletia nodosa; Bletia rhopalorrhachis; Brassavola gillettei; Cymbidium nodosum; Epidendrum nodosum

Brassavola martiana

Brassavola martiana

Native to: Brassavola martiana is native to Guyana in northern South America. It is also found growing at low elevations in Bolivia, Brazil, Surinam, the Guyanas, Venezuela and Colombia below 1000 meters. It grows on trees.

Plant Size: Medium to large. Brassavola martiana has pencil-like pseudobulbs and terete, fleshy leaves that have a shallow v-shaped channel that runs down the center of the leaf. The leaves are longer than Brassavola ceboletta but shorter than Brassavola cucullata. Foliage is dark green or olive green in color. The plants are upright.

Flower Size: Small. Flowers range from one inch to three inches across.

Flower Description: The scent of Brassavola martiana is small but powerfully fragrant. The scent of Brassavola martiana has been described as very floral with hints of jasmine and gardenia. The petals and sepals are olive green. The lip is small and spade-shaped with a frilly margin. Flowers are long-lived and fragrant at night.

Bloom Season: Spring

Growing Temperature: Warm, Intermediate

Additional Information: Brassavola martiana grows best mounted on wood, a tree branch, or cork plaque. Reduce watering during the cooler months of the year and provide copious water and fertilizer while new growth is developing.
Synonyms: Bletia amazonica; Bletia attenuata; Brassavola angustata; Bletia martiana; Brassavola amazonica; Brassavola angustata; Brassavola duckeana; Brassavola multiflora; Brassavola martiana var. multiflora; Brassavola surinamensis

Brassavola fragrans

Brassavola fragrans


Common Name: Fragrant Brassavola

Native to: Brassavola fragrans is native to Brazil where it grows on trees.

Plant Size: Brassavola fragrans is a medium size epiphyte has a pendent habit and hangs gracefully from a mount.
Flower Size: Medium.

Flower Description: The flowers of Brassavola fragrans has olive green petals and sepals and a cream to white colored lip. The flowers are fragrant. The branched inflorescence bears few to many flowers. Well grown plants can produce impressive displays of flowers.
Bloom Season: Blooms in the fall.
Growing Temperature: Warm, Intermediate.
Additional Information: Brassavola fragrans is much less common than some other species in the genus and should be grown in collections more often. Grow mounted on wood or cork mounts. Cut back on watering during the winter months. This species is thought to be closely related to Brassavola flagellaris.
Synonyms: None