Description
Close your eyes when you breathe in the balmy fragrance of the Maxillaria tenuifolia bloom, and you’ll be transported to the South Pacific, surrounded by island beauties (or hunks, if you prefer) gently rubbing your back with coconut-scented suntan lotion.
That’s exactly what the bloom of this orchid smells like. Most people are delighted when they get their first whiff, as it’s such an unexpected yet familiar fragrance!
Max. tenuifolia is very popular amongst orchid collectors, and for good reason. A small plant can produce several flowers per blooming and will have you thinking of tropical sunsets on a white sandy beach.
As the plant gets bigger, it can flower freely throughout the year.
This orchid is truly easy to grow, and adaptable to any temperate conditions (avoid freezing cold). In nature, it grows in a geographic area ranging from Mexico to Costa Rica. It can handle bright light, but will do fine in lower light conditions as well. Any window in the home that receives light will make it happy.
The long, thin leaves emerging from the top of its oval pseudobulbs also make for an attractive houseplant when it is not in bloom.
You can plant it in any kind of media, including orchid bark (typically fir or pine bark), sphagnum moss, coconut husk, or even grow them mounted (which I offer here as well). Water often enough to make the media moist, but allowing some drying out in between waterings is OK. Maxillaria tenuifolia is a great orchid for beginners and would make a great gift for someone who is looking for an orchid off the beaten path!
Please note: these plants are divisions from larger plants, and some of the older bulbs may be a bit shriveled depending on the season you order the plant. This is completely natural, as the older bulbs are water storage organs for the plant to draw upon during dry periods. New bulbs mostly grow during spring and summer and will swell up quite nicely if you keep the plant well-watered. Flowers are typically produced by bulbs at least one season old.
