Working in an orchid nursery 7 days a week, I sometimes take for granted the beauty of the orchids surrounding me.  However, just the other day I walked into House 6 and a sweet and spicy fragrance hit my nose, encouraging me to look around to find the source of this sweet smell.  After looking through the various benches of plants, I finally found the aromatic specimen - a Stanhopea - hanging overhead, with large spotted flowers and a fragrance that filled the room.

 

Many orchids have a fragrance, although not all are strong.  Some minatures possess a fragrance.  However, due to the small size of the flowers, one must stick one's nose directly into the bloom to pick up the aroma.  Other orchids, such as the Stanhopea and Gongora, have a very strong fragrance that can be evident from quite a distance.

 

Many orchid fragrances are also connected to the environment.  Some orchids only smell at night, designed so by Mama Nature to attract night-flying insects.  Brassavola nodosa and others in the Rhyncholaelia family fall into this category.  Other orchids smell only in the morning.  Some require sunlight to waft their aromas our way, while others are fragrant only on cloudy days when no sun is present. 

 

Another thing to keep in mind is that everyone's sense of smell is different.  What might be sweet-smelling and lovely to one, may be overpowering and strong for someone else.  We once had a batch of Cymbidium sinense that was in bloom.  Every customer entering the greenhouse commented on how lovely the fragrance was, but neither Greg nor I could smell the flower, even up close!

 

The Phalaenopsis schilleriana is another good example.  Most days no fragrance is apparent.  However, after the flowers have been open a week or so, on sunny mornings, for just an hour or two, one can detect a faint fragrance.  At the other end of the spectrum is Phalaenopsis bellina (violacea 'Borneo').  They seem to be fragrant 24/7 when in bloom!

 

The various aromas of the orchids adds value to their beauty.  Taking in their essence while gazing at the complex and beautiful blooms can bring about relaxation and satisfaction.  Cheap therapy!

 

Happy smelling,

Liese