Family: Orchidaceae

There are around 17 species of these beautiful epiphytic orchids from tropical America. Most have long, thin pseudobulbs producing a single, cylindrical leaf. The white or greenish, long-lasting flowers are often pendulous and are very fragrant at night.

Species

B. cucullata has very small pseudobulbs which terminate in leaf stalks concealed in white sheaths. The leaves grow to 20 cm (8 in). The flowers are white, shaded to green at the tips, and the hooded lip has inward-curving margins and a long, pointed tip. The solitary flowers, about 5 cm (2 in) across, are produced in autumn.

B. nodosa has no pseudobulbs. The erect or pendulous, gray-green leaves are rather thick and about 20 cm (8 in) long. The flowers, produced abundantly several times a year, are highly scented at night. They are white to greenish white, with a prominent, rounded white lip.

Cultivation

These orchids are grown in an intermediate greenhouse or conservatory. They take lower temperatures than many other orchids and like maximum light, without shade, and a moist atmosphere. The plants should be watered liberally during the summer but kept dry in the winter when they are resting. They are best grown in orchid baskets, using a special orchid compost (one formulated for epiphytes). As an alternative, plants can be mounted on slabs of bark.

Climate

Zone 10 and above.