Oeoniella
No matter how many vowels in its name, Oeoniella has plenty of charms. It’s an orchid species that’s easy to grow, with dainty flowers that produce a strong, sweet scent.
Pronounced “oh-ee-NEE-ella,” rhymes with “go see me, Ella,” its name comes from Greek words describing the flower’s resemblance to an eagle’s wings. Maybe the pointed tip on the flower lip also inspired thoughts of a bird’s beak.
Oeoniellas are native to Madagascar, the Seychelles, and other small islands of the Indian Ocean. They need high humidity, bright light, warm temperatures, and regular water. With good humidity, they can handle temps over 90F (32 C.) Flowers can last a month or more. Like many white orchids from Africa, they’re only fragrant at night when their moth pollinators are active.
Explore posts in the same categories: Fragrant Orchids, Growing, Mini Orchids, Photos, Warm Growers, Watering
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March 27th, 2010 at 9:07 am
That’s so cute! It reminds me of a brassavola. (And you know I *love* your pronunciation tips! 🙂
March 27th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
I like the point on the lip
it looks like its pointing out where the good stuff is!
April 4th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
I see the resemblance to brassavola. Both the color and the shape look like brassavola nodosa.
April 9th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
[…] Related to Darwin’s Orchid and Oeoniella, Jumelleas can grow into large, attractive plants. […]
April 10th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
What charming flowers! Your post really makes me miss growing exotics like these.
April 11th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
Thanks for the great photos.
May 26th, 2010 at 10:39 am
[…] easy to see its similarities with orchid relatives like Darwin’s Orchid, Jumellea, and Oeoniella. All have star-shaped white flowers, and produce rich fragrances at night to attract moth […]