Water
Keep the potting medium consistently moist but not waterlogged during active growth. Reduce watering significantly during the dormant period, allowing the medium to dry out slightly between waterings.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Maxillaria tenuifolia, the Coconut Orchid, is a delightful epiphyte with fragrant, cherry-red flowers that strongly resemble the scent of coconut. Native to Mexico and Ce
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright indirect
75% intensity
Provide bright, filtered light, avoiding direct midday sun.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep consistently moist during growth, allow slight drying when dormant.
Orchid bark mix
50% intensity
Intermediate
50% intensity
Daytime: 20-27°C. Nighttime: 13-18°C. Needs a slight temperature drop at night to flower.
Moderate
50% intensity
Fertilize weakly during the growing season, reduce in winter.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the potting medium consistently moist but not waterlogged during active growth. Reduce watering significantly during the dormant period, allowing the medium to dry out slightly between waterings.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Pruning is generally minimal for Maxillaria tenuifolia. Remove dried or spent flower spikes and any yellowing or dead leaves. This helps maintain the plant's appearance and health.
Avoid cutting healthy green pseudobulbs or leaves.
Propagation is typically done by division. When repotting, gently divide the pseudobulbs, ensuring each division has at least three healthy pseudobulbs and some roots.
Allow the cut surfaces to callus for a day or two before repotting.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the potting medium breaks down. Use a well-draining orchid mix. Choose a pot that allows for some growth but is not excessively large.
Repot after flowering or at the beginning of the active growing season.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Coconut Orchid (Maxillaria tenuifolia)
Where Coconut Orchid (Maxillaria tenuifolia) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Maxillaria |
| Species | Maxillaria tenuifolia |
Similar in genus Maxillaria
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
