Object Details
Description
This Brassavola is a good choice for beginning orchid growers who have had success growing other epiphytes. Although not ideal, they can handle a bit of underwatering or neglect. If cared for well however, lady of the night orchids can bloom multiple times a year with white flowers that smell of citrus at night.
In the wild, these orchids have been known to grow on mangrove roots, and can handle a bit of salt from splashing waves. B. nodosa’s leaves are also interesting, in that their long leaves which can appear tubular or flattened are specifically adapted to prevent water loss.
Pollination Syndrome
Moth (Sphingidae)
Provenance
From a cultivated plant not of known wild origin
Accession Number
2008-3556A
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Life Form
Epiphytic
Bloom Characteristics
Erect to arching inflorescence is 6-10" (15-25 cm) long with up to 6 green flowers with a white lip. Flowers are 3.5" (9 cm) across and last 2-4 weeks.
Foliage Characteristics
Thick leaves are almost cylindrical.
Fragrance
Citrus at night
Plant Size
5-9" x 1-1.5" (13-23 x 2.5-3.8 cm), excluding inflorescence
Range
Mexico to Tropical America
Habitat
Seasonally dry forests near coast; 0-1640ft (0-500m)
See more items in
Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection
Common Name
Lady of the Night
Reina de la Noche
The Knobby Brassavola
Group
[vascular plants]
Class
Equisetopsida
Subclass
Magnoliidae
Superorder
Lilianae
Order
Asparagales
Family
Orchidaceae
Subfamily
Epidendroideae
Genus
Brassavola
Species
nodosa
Data Source
Smithsonian Gardens
Topic
Orchids
Living Collections
Link to Original Record
Record ID
ofeo-sg_2008-3556A