Smithsonian Gardens

Common name: Lady of the Night, The Knobby Brassavola, Reina de la Noche

Family: Orchidaceae subfam. Epidendroideae (Orchid)

Distribution: Mexico to Tropical America

Habitat: Seasonally dry forests near coast; 0-1640ft (0-500m)

Life form: Epiphytic

Fragrance: Citrus at night

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.

Pollination syndrome: Moth (Sphingidae)

Plant size: 5-9" x 1-1.5" (13-23 x 2.5-3.8 cm), excluding inflorescence

Foliage characteristics: Thick leaves are almost cylindrical.

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.