How to Grow and Care for Sweet-Smelling Coconut Orchid :- The coconut orchid, or Maxillaria tenuifolia, is a beautiful plant that is worth having in your collection. This medium-sized, easy-to-grow orchid is prized for its gorgeous deep red, yellow, and spotted blooms that give off a delightful coconut aroma.
How to Grow and Care for Sweet-Smelling Coconut Orchid
Even when not in bloom, its distinctive green foliage lends it an appealing indoor accent (March to April). It is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, and because of its adaptability to a wide range of growing circumstances, it is a great choice for both novice and expert growers.
Coconut Orchid Care
Light
Give your coconut orchid plenty of light for healthy development and blooming. It thrives in dappled sunshine outside but can handle direct sun indoors.
For optimal results, choose a position with several hours of bright, indirect light and some direct sunshine. These plants can endure low light, but their leaves will become lanky and they rarely blossom.
Soil
Coconut orchids, like other orchids, are epiphytic (occasionally terrestrial) and thrive in soilless potting media. This plant grows naturally on tree limbs and hollows, where its epiphytic roots absorb moisture and nutrients from the organic substrate.
Coconut orchids thrive on orchid bark mixes, fir bark, coco coir, gravel, and sphagnum moss as houseplants. Mounting it is also possible if you have experience.
Water
This orchid has fat pseudo-bulbs that store water well. Due to its drought tolerance, it is susceptible to overwatering.
To avoid mineral buildup on the roots, let the potting medium dry completely between waterings and then water thoroughly with rainwater or distilled water.
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Temperature, humidity
Its tropical rainforest habitat in Central and South America makes this orchid enjoy warm temperatures and heavy humidity. Indoor greenhouses or small houseplant humidifiers may achieve 70%–80% humidity, which is perfect.
This orchid prefers warmer temperatures. Summertime highs should be 82 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit (28 to 29 degrees Celsius) and lows 68 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius).
Fertilizer
For your coconut orchid to bloom, you must fertilise. Fertilise from early spring to late autumn, then stop for winter. Dilute balanced orchid fertiliser to half strength on a weekly basis.
Propagating Coconut Orchid
Division can propagate this orchid. Mature plants with several rhizomes that can be separated are optimal for this. If you’re repotting your plant this year, divide the root ball too. Coconut orchids are best propagated in spring or summer after blooming.
Remove your coconut orchid from its pot and loosen the potting medium around the root ball.
Choose an area to separate from the main rhizome/root clump. For the greatest results, make sure it has rhizomes.
Divide the clump and plant it in fresh potting material with good water.
Restart fertilising two weeks after propagation in a warm, humid, well-lit area.
Coconut orchid potting/repotting
Coconut orchids should be repotted every two years to replenish the potting medium and increase their container size. If your plant is outgrowing its pot and ‘spilling’ over the edges, it needs repotting. Repotting can be done year-round, however spring is the optimal time after blooming.
How to Get Coconut Orchid to Bloom
Coconut orchids bloom in March or April for 7–10 days. Your coconut orchids may not blossom, but there are ways to help. Light and fertiliser are key to proper flowering.
First, give your plant strong, indirect light. If your coconut orchid hasn’t bloomed, move it to a brighter spot or add a grow light.
Second, fertilise your orchid consistently during vigorous growth. Most orchids are high feeders and should be fertilised every 1–2 weeks from spring to autumn with an orchid fertiliser.
