Product Review

Maxillaria tenuifolia is commonly known as the Coconut Orchid for the enticing fragrance its flowers produce. It is very popular amongst orchid collectors, and for good reason. A small plant can produce several flowers per blooming and will have you thinking of tropical sunsets on a white sandy beach. This orchid is very easy to grow, and adaptable to any temperate conditions (avoid freezing cold). In nature, it grows in a geographic area ranging from Mexico to Costa Rica. It can handle bright light, but will do fine in lower light conditions as well. Any window in the home that receives light will make it happy. The long, thin leaves also make for an attractive houseplant when it is not in bloom. You can plant it in any kind of media, including orchid bark (typically fir or pine bark), sphagnum moss, coconut husk, or even grow them mounted. Water often enough to make the media moist, but allowing some drying out in between waterings is OK. Maxillaria tenuifolia is a great orchid for beginners and would make a great gift for someone who is looking for an orchid off the beaten path! Please note: these plants are divisions from larger plants, and some of the older bulbs may appear a bit shriveled. This is completely natural, as the older bulbs are water storage organs for the plant to draw upon during dry periods. New bulbs mostly grow during spring and summer and will swell up quite nicely if you keep the plant well-watered. Flowers are typically produced by bulbs at least one season old. PLEASE NOTE: Media may be dry at time of arrival due to variations in watering schedule and seasonality, but periods of drying out are FINE and A GOOD THING for this plant, as cycling between dry and wet helps it (and many orchids) grow better.