Brassavola nodosa (Lady of the Night)

Brassavola nodosa (Lady of the Night) is a medium-sized epiphytic or lithophytic orchid species boasting extremely fragrant flowers throughout the year. The blossoms, 4 in. across (10 cm), emit a citrus fragrance at night. Each flower features long, slender, pale green or creamy-white sepals and petals and a large, heart-shaped lip sometimes adorned with purple or dark red spotting. The flowers are borne on a bracteate inflorescence that arises on a newly maturing pseudobulb that carries up to 6 flowers. Native to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Venezuela, Brassavola nodosa is a hot-growing orchid species found in low-lying coastal regions, below 1650 ft. (500 m), as growing on trees in lowland rainforests and mangrove swamps or on rocks and cliffs near the coast. Brassavola nodosa is a very easy orchid to grow, adapting to a wide range of conditions in cultivation.

• Grows up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm).
• Grows best in full sun or very bright light. Provide strong air movement.
• Needs an average night temperature of 73-75°F (23-24°C) and a daytime temperature of 87°F (31°C) in summer.
• Needs an average night temperature of 62°F (17°C) and a daytime temperature of 77-78°F (25-26°C) in winter.
• Maintain adequate humidity (80%) throughout the year. Set the plant on a tray of gravel, partially filled with water.
• Water heavily during the active growth period, ensuring the growing medium is always moist. Reduce watering in winter, but dryness should not be allowed.
• Feed every week with 1/4-1/2 of the recommended dose of fertilizer for orchids during the active growth period.
• Propagate by division when the plant overflows the pot.
• Once the flowers have faded, remove the spent flower spikes.
• Repotting should be performed when new roots start growing or immediately after flowering.
• Generally disease-free. Keep an eye out for aphids, glasshouse red spider mites, and mealybugs.
• Native to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Venezuela.