Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lady of the Night
BeginnerBrassavola nodosa
A tough epiphytic orchid with slender, rod-like leaves and flowers that pair narrow yellow-green sepals with a broad, heart-shaped white lip. Its strong citrus-like night scent earns it the name lady of the night.
About
Brassavola nodosa is an epiphytic orchid in the genus Brassavola. It ranges widely from Mexico through Central America and the West Indies to northern South America, growing on trees and rocks in hot lowlands from near the coast to about 500 m. It is so tolerant of salt and drought that it can grow on mangrove roots within reach of sea spray. Each slender pseudobulb carries a single thick, rigid, grooved, rod-like leaf. The flowers are about 8 cm across, with narrow yellow-green sepals and petals and a large white heart-shaped lip, up to six on a stem. Because it releases a citrus- and gardenia-like scent from evening into the night, it is called "lady of the night" in English. It flowers mainly in autumn but can bloom at almost any time when conditions suit it. It is an important parent in Cattleya breeding; its hybrids often inherit the narrow petals and suddenly flaring lip and are known as the nodosa type. Tough and easy, it grows well mounted or potted, making it a good first species orchid. In Japan it is a staple species at specialist orchid nurseries.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Lady of the Night
The Lady of the Night grows to Pseudobulbs 3-15 cm; leaves 15-30 cm; flowers about 8 cm across.
Basic Info
Origin
Mexico to Central America, the West Indies and northern South America (near sea level to 500 m)
Lifespan
Perennial that can be kept for many years by division (little data on lifespan)
Size
Pseudobulbs 3-15 cm; leaves 15-30 cm; flowers about 8 cm across
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
It likes bright light. Shade only from harsh midsummer sun and give good light the rest of the year for better flowering.
Watering
It tolerates drought, so water after the medium dries. Mounted plants may need water almost daily in summer and much less in winter.
Temperature & Overwintering
A warm-growing species that handles heat well but dislikes cold; bring it into a warm room for winter.
Soil & Repotting
Mount it on cork or wood, or pot it in bark or sphagnum in a small pot. Repot in spring when it outgrows the pot.
Fertilizer
Give dilute liquid fertilizer while growing and stop in winter.
Lady of the Night FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Lady of the Night?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Lady of the Night get?
The mature size of Lady of the Night is Pseudobulbs 3-15 cm; leaves 15-30 cm; flowers about 8 cm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Lady of the Night?
Lady of the Night: watering & fertilizer — Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Lady of the Night?
The price of Lady of the Night varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Brassavola nodosa (L.) Lindl.
Synonyms: Bletia nodosa (L.) Rchb.f., Bletia rhopalorhachis (Rchb.f.) Rchb.f., Brassavola nodosa var. rhopalorhachis Schltr., Brassavola rhopalorhachis Rchb.f., Cymbidium nodosum (L.) Sw., Epidendrum nodosum L.
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
The whole orchid family is listed in CITES Appendix II (checked on Species+). International trade requires permits such as export permits, but no registration is needed to buy, sell or transfer plants within Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment, Japan: list of Nationally Rare Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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