Epidendrum nocturnum aka Night Scented Orchid

Epidendrum nocturnum is native to southern Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Its range spans over 34 regions including the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Trinidad-Tobago, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and French Guiana. In Florida, it grows in dome swamps, strand swamps, sloughs, and rockland hammocks, typically as an epiphyte on trees like cabbage palm, pop ash, and pond apple.

Epidendrum nocturnum thrives in high humidity of 85-90% throughout the year, reflecting its native wet tropical habitat. Good air circulation is essential alongside high humidity to prevent root rot and fungal infections. If growing indoors, use a humidity tray, room humidifier, or group plants together. A small fan can help maintain air movement while keeping humidity high.

Fertilize weekly during the active growing season (March-November) using 1/4 to 1/2 strength orchid fertilizer. Use a balanced 20-20-20 formula, switching to nitrogen-enriched fertilizer in spring and phosphorus-enriched in late summer and autumn to promote blooming. Reduce fertilizer frequency during winter dormancy. Always dilute to half the recommended strength to avoid fertilizer burn on the sensitive roots.

Epidendrum nocturnum is a warm-growing orchid preferring daytime temperatures of 77-81°F (25-27°C) and nighttime temperatures of 60-63°F (16-17°C). It tolerates a range from 55-85°F (13-29°C) but cannot survive frost or freezing temperatures. The 9-11°C daily temperature fluctuation between day and night helps stimulate healthy growth and flowering.

Yes, Epidendrum nocturnum is famous for its intense nighttime fragrance, which gives the species its name (nocturnum meaning 'of the night'). The flowers release a sweet, powerful scent after dark that is designed to attract nocturnal moth pollinators. During daylight hours, the fragrance is minimal or absent. This makes it an excellent orchid for those who enjoy evening fragrances in their home or garden.

Epidendrum nocturnum produces elegant, large flowers measuring 7.5-12.5 cm in diameter, making it the largest-flowered Epidendrum in Florida. The blooms feature yellowish-green sepals and petals with a striking white, three-lobed lip. Up to 5 flowers appear per short-stemmed raceme. While capable of blooming year-round, the primary flowering period is July through January. Many flowers are autogamous, self-pollinating before fully opening.

Epidendrum nocturnum has evolved dual pollination strategies. While its nocturnal fragrance attracts moths for pollination, the species is primarily self-pollinating (autogamous). Most flowers fertilize themselves before fully opening, and some are cleistogamous (pollinating while still closed). This reproductive flexibility means the plant doesn't depend on moth pollinators for seed production, contributing to its success across tropical America.

Epidendrum nocturnum is best propagated through division during repotting in spring. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each division has healthy roots and at least one pseudobulb or growth point. Allow cut surfaces to dry for a day before potting. Mount divisions on cork or tree fern, or pot in well-draining orchid mix. Keep newly divided plants in slightly higher humidity until established.

Repot Epidendrum nocturnum every 1-2 years or when the plant outgrows its container or the growing medium breaks down. Spring is the best time to repot, at the start of the active growth period. Carefully remove the plant, trim any dead or rotting roots, and place in a slightly larger pot with fresh orchid bark mix. Alternatively, mount on cork bark or tree branches for a more natural epiphytic display.

Epidendrum nocturnum can reach up to 110 cm (about 3.5 feet) in height with slender, upright canes measuring 30-100 cm long. Each cane produces 4-10 dark green, elliptic leaves measuring 8-15 cm long and 0.5-2.5 cm wide. The growth period runs from March through November. While the National Tropical Botanical Garden describes it as a 'smaller sized' orchid suitable for compact spaces, mature specimens with multiple canes can become quite substantial.

Epidendrum nocturnum can grow outdoors year-round only in USDA Zones 10-11 (southern Florida and similar tropical climates) where temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). In these areas, it grows naturally as an epiphyte on rough-barked trees like oak, mango, mahogany, and avocado. Choose a location with morning sun and afternoon shade. In cooler climates, grow outdoors in summer and bring inside before temperatures drop below 55°F.

As an epiphytic orchid, Epidendrum nocturnum requires a well-draining growing medium that mimics its natural tree-growing habitat. Use medium-grade fir bark, tree fern fiber, coarse perlite, and/or chopped sphagnum moss. The mix should retain some moisture while allowing excellent air circulation around the roots. Alternatively, mount the plant on cork bark or tree branches with a small pad of sphagnum moss. Never use regular potting soil, which will suffocate the roots.

Yes, adjust care seasonally. During the active growth period (March-November), water frequently (twice weekly or more if mounted), maintain high humidity, and fertilize weekly. In winter (December-February), reduce watering to every 1-2 weeks, stop or reduce fertilizing, and allow slightly cooler nighttime temperatures. The plant may produce flowers year-round but blooms most heavily from July through January.

Epidendrum nocturnum has no significant pest or disease problems when grown under proper conditions. The main risks are root rot from overwatering or poor drainage, and fungal infections from high humidity without adequate air circulation. Watch for common orchid pests like scale, mealybugs, and spider mites. Ensure good airflow, avoid water standing on leaves, and maintain appropriate watering schedules to prevent most issues.

Are you up for a challenge? Night Scented Orchid will test your gardening skills and require extra care and attention to thrive.

Night Scented Orchid should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

To ensure optimal growth, the Night Scented Orchid prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.