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The Coconut Orchid

Maxillariella tenuifolia, aka Maxillaria tenuifolia, aka Coconut Orchid, fragrant orchid species, red white and yellow flower, Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo, Hilo, HawaiiMaxillariella tenuifolia, aka Maxillaria tenuifolia, aka Coconut Orchid, fragrant orchid species, red white and yellow flowers and leaves, Kawamoto Orchid Nursery, Honolulu, HawaiiMaxillariella tenuifolia, aka Maxillaria tenuifolia, aka Coconut Orchid, fragrant orchid species, red white and yellow flowers and leaves, grown in San Francisco, California

Whatever the Coconut Orchid lacks in showiness, it makes up with fragrance. This tropical species features brilliant red flowers, but they’re often hidden in the foliage. However, their sweet coconut scent always gives them away.

Maxillariella tenuifolia, aka Maxillaria tenuifolia, aka Coconut Orchid, fragrant orchid species, red white and yellow flowers, grown in San Francisco, CaliforniaMaxillariella tenuifolia, aka Maxillaria tenuifolia, aka Coconut Orchid, fragrant orchid species, red white and yellow flower, grown in San Francisco, CaliforniaMaxillariella tenuifolia, aka Maxillaria tenuifolia, aka Coconut Orchid, fragrant orchid species, red white and yellow flower, long narrow leaves, grown in San Francisco, California

Coconut Orchids are easy to grow, and with their delicious aroma, they are popular choices for orchid lovers. Their deep red flowers can last more than two months. This species is better known by its old name, Maxillaria tenuifolia, than its new name, Maxillariella tenufolia (trust me — there are a few extra letters in the new name.) Whatever it’s called, it’s native to tropical rainforests from Mexico south to Costa Rica.

Maxillariella tenuifolia, aka Maxillaria tenuifolia, aka Coconut Orchid, fragrant orchid species, red white and yellow flower, grown in San Francisco, CaliforniaMaxillariella tenuifolia, aka Maxillaria tenuifolia, aka Coconut Orchid, fragrant orchid species, red white and yellow flower, grown in San Francisco, CaliforniaMaxillariella tenuifolia, aka Maxillaria tenuifolia, aka Coconut Orchid, fragrant orchid species, red white and yellow flowers, long narrow leaves, grown in San Francisco, California

To care for Coconut Orchids, provide morning sun, regular water, fertilizer, high humidity, and winter dormancy. My Coconut Orchid has been a faithful harbinger of spring for over a decade, blooming with dozens of flowers each year. I rely on my nose to know when they’ve opened. I’ll be enjoying their sweet coconut scent until they finish.

Explore posts in the same categories: Dormancy, Fertilizing, Fragrant Orchids, Growing, Intermediate Growers, Photos, Watering

This entry was posted on Friday, May 15th, 2015 at 9:00 pm and is filed under Dormancy, Fertilizing, Fragrant Orchids, Growing, Intermediate Growers, Photos, Watering.

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3 Comments on “The Coconut Orchid”

  1. Martin Shin Says:
    May 16th, 2015 at 6:54 am

    I saw one of these at a show that was even more amazing in person – HUNDREDS of flowers on a plant that was as big as a wedding cake. It smelled GREAT!!! I wish I could grow orchids but I always kill them.

  2. Pablo Says:
    May 16th, 2015 at 4:43 pm

    Pretty photos. Thanks for posting.

  3. charlotte Says:
    June 1st, 2015 at 12:31 pm

    Hello, I enjoy reading through your post.
    I like to write a little comment to support you.