Brassavola orchids

Brassavola is a small New World genus of around twenty species native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Plants have cylindrical fleshy leaves that store water effectively, and flowers are typically large relative to the plant, with a distinctive oversized heart-shaped lip. Flower colour centres on white, cream, and green, frequently with a strong evening fragrance that has given some species the common name "lady of the night".

In orchid breeding, Brassavola is a key parent in Cattleya-alliance hybrids. Brassavola nodosa brings fragrance and toughness to a long line of Brassocattleya crosses. The enormous frilled lip of the old Brassolaeliocattleya and Potinara lines came from Brassavola digbyana, which is now Rhyncholaelia digbyana; those hybrids are registered today as Rhyncholaeliocattleya and Rhyncattleanthe.

General care for the genus (species, hybrids and cultivars vary, so check with the grower for a specific plant): bright light (3,000+ footcandles), warm temperatures, water well when roots are active and let dry between, moderate humidity (50 to 65 percent). Remarkably tolerant of household dry air once established, which is unusual for an epiphyte. Grown in bark or mounted on cork.

Brassavola nodosa is the best-known species, widely recommended to beginners for its forgiving nature and strong evening fragrance. Brassavola cucullata and Brassavola perrinii are also in cultivation. Listings below come from the nurseries we index, most of them re-checked nightly; prices are shown in USD.