About
Maxillaria tenuifolia, the coconut orchid, is an epiphytic orchid producing a clump of small, elliptic pseudobulbs growing from a long, upright or pendant rhizome. Each pseudobulb carries a single, linear leaf to 50 cm long. In spring and summer, short stems to 5 cm carry single, red (occasionally yellow) flowers 3�5 cm across with a distinctive coconut fragrance. A delightfully scented orchid for a warm to intermediate heated greenhouse.
About the genus
Maxillaria are a large, diverse genus of mainly epiphytic, tropical orchids producing small, elliptic or egg-shaped pseudobulbs and typically solitary flowers in a wide range of colours. Grown in warm to intermediate heated greenhouses.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming, Pendulous weeping, Tufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toMexico, C America
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in an open, free-draining, medium-grade, bark-based orchid mix with addition of perlite, sphagnum moss or coir. Requires day temperatures around 18-20°C and 14-16°C at night. Provide good light levels, but avoid direct sunlight. Water plants thoroughly when compost is almost dry, allow to drain and use orchid fertiliser regularly during growing season. See also indoor orchid cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided in early or mid spring, when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3-4 healthy, older pseudobulbs with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free. Poor air movement and soggy potting mix may cause risk of bacterial infections