Here’s an orchid species every one should grow. Brassavola nodosa, the “Lady of the Night Orchid” known down south as “Dama de la Noche” (which means Lady of the Night). Why? Because like most white flowers it’s fragrance is released after dark to entice night flying moths. Orchids are so smart!
B. nodosa has terete (rounded like a straw) 5" leaves, with 3" spikes which are adorned with several spidery pale green 3"+ flowers, large white heart shaped lip, fragrant in the evening and at night, blooms continuously from May to December with correct culture, easy grower.
B. nodosa needs warmth and bright light to bloom well. It blooms in
Summer and Fall with bright, 2500-3500 foot-candles (very bright indirect
light) and warm to intermediate 60°F min. to 90°F max. temperatures.
It’s a pleasantly fragrant easy grower. It can be grown mounted or
in a basket or pot. In the summer keep moist, 2-4 waterings per week but
let it dry between waterings.
Another Brassavola, B. grandiflora, is often mistaken for nodosa. B. grandiflora has wider, flatter leaves, and a larger flower and plant habit. It grows under the same conditions as nodosa and either makes a wonderful addition to your orchid collection!