Night-scented orchids offer a captivating experience for plant enthusiasts, releasing their aromatic charm as daylight fades. Unlike many flowering plants that release fragrance during the day, these unique orchids reserve their delightful perfumes for the evening hours. This distinctive characteristic adds an element of intrigue to any collection, transforming a quiet space into a fragrant haven after sunset. Cultivating these botanical treasures allows growers to engage with a fascinating aspect of the plant world.
The Mystery of Night Scent
The nocturnal fragrance of certain orchids is a sophisticated adaptation, primarily serving as a beacon for specific pollinators. Many night-scented orchids, particularly those with white or pale-colored blooms, attract moths and other nocturnal insects. These flowers release their aromatic compounds when their target pollinators are most active, ensuring successful reproduction. The scents can vary widely, encompassing sweet, spicy, citrusy, or even musky notes, each tailored to appeal to a particular pollinator species.
Popular Night Scented Orchid Species
Several orchid species are renowned for their captivating night fragrances, offering diverse options for growers. Brassavola nodosa, often called “Lady of the Night,” is a well-known example with striking white to greenish-white flowers that emit a strong, sweet, lily-of-the-valley-like perfume after dark. Another notable species is Epidendrum nocturnum, the night-fragrant epidendrum, which produces showy greenish-brown flowers with a white lip that intensely smell at night. Angraecum sesquipedale, famously known as Darwin’s Orchid, features large, star-shaped white flowers with an exceptionally long nectary, releasing a powerful, jasmine-like fragrance at night to attract its specific moth pollinator.
Essential Care for Night Scented Orchids
Light
Providing appropriate light is fundamental for the health and blooming of night-scented orchids. Most varieties thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking their natural habitat beneath a tree canopy. Signs of too much light include yellowing leaves or brown spots from sunburn. Conversely, insufficient light results in very dark green leaves and a reluctance to bloom. Adjusting the orchid’s position or using sheer curtains can help filter intense sunlight and promote optimal growth and flowering.
Watering
Proper watering techniques are crucial, as orchids are sensitive to both over and under-watering. A common method involves allowing the potting medium to dry out almost completely between waterings, often referred to as the “wet to dry” approach. Overwatering can lead to root rot, characterized by mushy, brown, or black roots and yellow, limp, or pleated leaves. Under-watering manifests as shriveled pseudobulbs, thin or wrinkled roots, and droopy, soft, or puckered leaves. Frequency depends on the potting mix, pot size, and environmental humidity, but typically ranges from once a week.
Humidity and Temperature
Maintaining optimal humidity and temperature levels is important for night-scented orchids, many of which originate from tropical environments. A humidity level between 50% and 70% is generally ideal. In drier indoor environments, humidity trays can be used effectively; these are shallow trays filled with pebbles and water, with the orchid pot resting above the water level, allowing evaporation to increase local humidity. Temperature ranges also vary by species, but generally, most orchids prefer daytime temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and a slight drop at night.
Potting Mix and Fertilization
The right potting mix and consistent fertilization support healthy growth in night-scented orchids. Orchids are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants rather than in soil, so their potting media must provide excellent drainage and aeration. Common mixes include fir bark, sphagnum moss, perlite, or charcoal. Repotting is typically needed every one to two years, or when the potting medium starts to break down, compact, or if roots are growing aggressively outside the pot. During active growth, a balanced, diluted orchid-specific fertilizer applied regularly provides essential nutrients.
Common Challenges and Solutions
If an orchid fails to bloom, it often indicates insufficient light, which can be remedied by moving the plant to a brighter location. Yellowing leaves can signal various problems, including over or under-watering, too much light, nutrient deficiencies, or temperature stress; inspecting roots and adjusting care practices can help. Pests like spider mites and mealybugs can infest orchids, appearing as small insects or sticky residue on leaves. Horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps can treat these infestations, applied carefully to affected areas. Fungal problems, such as root rot or leaf spots, often arise from excessive moisture and poor air circulation. Treating these requires improving airflow, allowing the potting mix to dry, and in severe cases, using a fungicide or removing infected tissue with sterilized tools.