This species is one of our most fragrant orchids and it is currently filling our Cool Americas section with its sweet citrusy scent. The species is native to Brazil and in 2001 our expedition came across it growing on the same bare granite mountain as Psuedolaelia cocovadensis (day 5) see photo below.

As you can see the plant is growing in full sun with its roots holding it firmly to the rock and very little in the way of moisture retention. This rock was dry in the winter when we visited but would be running with water for much of the wet summer season. After seeing the plant in the wild we adjusted our growing of the species to give more light but keep cool temperatures (the altitude was around 1000m) and we grow plants in the unshaded south facing doorway of the section.

Flowers are long lasting if kept dry and if you are into scented plants this is a great species to grow. We are pleased to say we have seedlings in flask about one year from sale.