Epidendrum Nocturnum

If you’re looking for a truly magical orchid that breaks all the rules, let me introduce you to the epidendrum nocturnum. This night-blooming orchid beauty is a fascinating plant that offers a unique experience for any gardener willing to try something different. Unlike most orchids that show off during the day, this one saves its splendor for the evening hours, filling the air with a powerful, sweet fragrance after sunset.

Its a rewarding plant to grow, and with a few simple tips, you can enjoy its mysterious flowers right at home. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from its natural habitat to its specific care requirements.

Often called the “Night-Scented Orchid” or simply the “Nocturnum,” this species is native to a wide range, from Florida and Mexico down through Central America to Brazil. It’s an epiphyte, meaning in the wild it grows on trees, not in soil. What makes it so special is its flowering habit. The blooms are typically greenish-white or creamy yellow, with a long, slender lip. They open sucesively, usually one at a time, and each flower lasts for several days. But the real show begins at dusk.

What Makes It a Night Bloomer?

This orchid has evolved to attract specific nocturnal pollinators, likely moths. Its strategy is brilliant:

Timing: The flowers open in the late afternoon or early evening.
Fragrance: They release a strong, lemony or gardenia-like scent that peaks at night, guiding pollinators in the dark.
Color: The pale, reflective flowers are easier for pollinators to see in moonlight.

Ideal Growing Conditions

To keep your epidendrum nocturnum happy, you need to mimic its natural environment as closely as possible. Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it sounds.

Light Requirements

This orchid prefers bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight it would get under a forest canopy.

A south or east-facing window with a sheer curtain is perfect.
It can tolerate some direct morning sun, but avoid harsh afternoon rays, which can scorch the leaves.
If the leaves turn a deep green, it might need more light. A yellowish color can indicate too much direct sun.

Temperature and Humidity

Being a tropical plant, it enjoys warmth and appreciates humidity.

Daytime Temperatures: Aim for 70-85°F (21-29°C).
Nighttime Temperatures: A drop to 60-65°F (15-18°C) is beneficial, especially to encourage blooming.
Humidity: Try for 50-70%. You can increase humidity by using a pebble tray filled with water or placing a small humidifier nearby. Grouping plants together also helps.

Planting and Potting Media

Because it’s an epiphyte, your epidendrum nocturnum needs a loose, airy potting mix that drains quickly. Never use regular potting soil—it will hold too much water and rot the roots.

Here are some excellent potting media options:

Fir bark chunks (medium grade)
Sphagnum moss (mixed with bark for moisture retention)
Tree fern fiber
Charcoal and perlite (as additives for aeration)

You can also mount it on a piece of cork bark or tree fern plaque. This is a very natural way to grow it, but it requires more frequent watering as the roots will dry out faster.

Watering and Feeding Schedule

Getting the watering right is the most crucial part of care. These orchids like to dry out a bit between waterings.

Check the Media: Before watering, stick your finger about an inch into the mix. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Water Thoroughly: Take the plant to the sink and run lukewarm water through the pot until it flows freely out the drainage holes. This ensures the roots are fully hydrated.
Let it Drain: Always let the pot drain completely before putting it back in its decorative cache pot. Never let the orchid sit in standing water.
Frequency: Watering might be once a week in warmer months and every 10-14 days in cooler, darker winter months.

For fertilizer, use a balanced orchid fertilizer (like 20-20-20) at half-strength. A good rule is “weekly, weakly.”

Fertilize every other week during the active growing season (spring and summer).
Reduce to once a month in fall and winter.
It’s a good idea to occasionally flush the pot with plain water to prevent fertilizer salt buildup, which can harm the roots.

Encouraging Blooms

You’re growing this orchid for its spectacular night-time display, so getting it to bloom is the ultimate goal. Here’s how to encourage it:

Mature Plant: It needs to be mature enough to bloom, which often means having several tall, cane-like stems (pseudobulbs).
Bright Light: Ensure it’s getting enough indirect light. This is the primary energy source for flower production.
Temperature Drop: A slight cooldown at night, as mentioned earlier, can signal to the plant that it’s time to initiate flower spikes.
Proper Feeding: Don’t skip fertilizer during the growth season; it builds the plant’s energy reserves.

The flower spike emerges from the top of a mature cane. Be patient—it can take several weeks for the buds to develop and finally open.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with the best care, you might encounter a few issues. Here’s what to look for.

Yellowing Leaves

This can have a couple causes. If it’s the older, lower leaves yellowing and falling off, that’s normal as the plant grows. If new leaves or many leaves are yellowing, check your light (too much sun) or your watering (possible overwatering and root rot).

No Flowers

The most common reason is insufficient light. Move it to a brighter location (without direct sun). Other reasons include a plant that is too young, lack of a nighttime temperature drop, or under-fertilizing during the growth period.

Pests

Keep an eye out for common orchid pests:

Scale: Look like small, brown bumps on leaves and stems. Wipe off with alcohol on a cotton swab.
Mealybugs: Appear as white, cottony masses. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Aphids: Sometimes attracted to new growth. A strong spray of water or insecticidal soap usually takes care of them.

Regularly inspecting your plant is the best defense. Catching pests early makes them much easier to manage.

Propagating Your Orchid

The easiest way to propagate epidendrum nocturnum is by division when you repot it.

Wait until the plant has grown over the edge of its pot and the potting media has broken down, usually every 2-3 years.
Gently remove the plant from its pot and carefully seperate the root mass.
Using a sterile knife or shears, cut through the rhizome (the horizontal stem connecting the growths), ensuring each division has at least 3-4 healthy canes and a good amount of roots.
Pot each division seperately in fresh orchid mix. Water lightly at first, then resume normal care once you see new root growth.

FAQ About the Night-Blooming Orchid

How often does Epidendrum nocturnum bloom?
It can bloom several times a year, typically from late spring through fall, especially if it’s happy and mature. Each flower can last up to a week, and the plant often produces them in succession.

Is the scent of the night-blooming orchid very strong?
Yes, the fragrance is quite potent and sweet, especially in the evening and at night. It’s often described as lemony or similar to gardenias. Some people find it delightful, so consider its placement if you’re sensitive to strong scents.

Can I grow this orchid indoors?
Absolutely. It makes an excellent indoor orchid if you can provide enough bright, indirect light and decent humidity. A bathroom with a window can be a great spot because of the higher humidity.

Why are the buds on my orchid falling off before opening?
Bud blast, as it’s called, is usually caused by a sudden change in environment. This could be a drastic shift in temperature, humidity, light, or even being moved to a new location. Try to keep its conditions as stable as possible once buds appear.

What’s the difference between Epidendrum nocturnum and other night-scented orchids?
While several orchids bloom at night, the Epidendrum nocturnum is distinct in its growth form (tall, reed-like canes) and its specific flower shape with an extremely long, narrow lip. Its fragrance and flowering habit are its most defining features.

Growing the epidendrum nocturnum is a testiment to the diversity of the orchid family. It asks for a little attentiveness to its unique needs, but the reward—watching those elegant flowers unfurl as the sun sets and enjoying their enchanting perfume—is truly special. With the right care, this night-blooming orchid beauty will become a captivating highlight in your plant collection for many years to come.