I picked this orchid up from the local Home Depot for less than 20 dollars. This species’ leaf properties are unique. They are like plump stabs of grass, unlike the huge flat leafed phalaenopsis and the beanstalk spindle shaped dendrobium. The actual genus of this orchid is called Brassavola and the species’ history is chronicled here on Wikipedia. Brassavola Little Stars is the name given to the hybrid I purchased and it combines two other Brassavola species, the cordata and the nodosa. More details on this hybrid and others of this species can be found here on orchidweb.com. My Brassavola Little Stars is potted and has been one of the easiest of my plants to grow and maintain. It has definitely given me a sense of accomplishment seeing it bloom for the first time.
A majority of my orchids are grown outside and exposed to the South Florida elements. And during the rainy months of September and October of this year, it had become a constant chore to ensure that my potted orchids did not succumb to root rot. Even with as much diligence as I could muster still a couple of them didn’t make it. This one was not one of them. In fact, this was the first to come out of those months unscathed and thriving.
After I read about Brassalova orchids and how aromatic they were, I went directly outside to smell my Brassalova Little Stars and to my disappointment I sensed no distinct aroma emitting from the flower whatsoever. As I continued reading about this hardy species I read that it only emits an odor at night to attract moths. To my amazement when the sun went down this flower’s aroma filled the air. The flower has an initial sweetness smell like Jasmine but when the fragrance trails it is very unique.
