Maxillaria orchids

Maxillaria is a large New World genus distributed from Florida and Mexico through Central and South America into Argentina, with around six hundred species in the classical sense (recent taxonomic splits have moved many species into related genera, but the name Maxillaria remains in widespread use in catalogues). The flowers have a distinctive "bony" appearance, with a triangular shape formed by a dominant lip and outward-curving sepals, and many species are fragrant.

Growth habits vary from compact pseudobulbous plants to rambling rhizomes. Many species flower easily and often in cultivation, making the genus popular with collectors who like reliable bloomers.

General care for the genus (species, hybrids and cultivars vary, so check with the grower for a specific plant): intermediate temperatures (nights 15 to 18 °C), medium to bright light (1,800 to 2,800 footcandles), regular watering during growth with brief drying between, 50 to 65 percent humidity. Medium fir bark in small pots.

Notable species include Maxillaria tenuifolia (the "coconut orchid", with a strong coconut fragrance), Maxillaria picta, Maxillaria variabilis, and Maxillaria schunkeana (one of the darkest, nearly black-flowered orchids in cultivation). Listings below come from the nurseries we index, most of them re-checked nightly; prices are shown in USD.