When you think of orchids, you probably think of unusual shapes, exotic colors and elegant flowers. But one aspect is often overlooked: scent. Yet there are hundreds of orchids that smell wonderful - or sometimes overwhelming. Why do so many orchids actually have fragrance? And why do you almost never smell them in the garden center or at the florist?
The role of scent in nature
In nature, orchids use scent as a clever way to attract pollinators. Each species is often tailored to a specific pollinator, such as bees, butterflies, moths or even flies. Some varieties smell like vanilla, citrus or cinnamon, while others emit a scent similar to rotting fruit or even manure - all with a clear purpose. The scent must attract just the right insects, at just the right time of day.
Some orchids smell only during the day, others only at night. There are even species that scent only when the humidity is high. So it's no accident that you don't always smell them at home: the conditions have to be exactly right.
Why don't many room orchids smell?
The orchids you see in garden centers - such as Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium or Cymbidium - are usually selected for color, size, flowering time and transportability. Fragrance was not among them for a long time. Fragrant varieties are often more fragile or bloom for a shorter period of time. In addition, scent on a large scale in a greenhouse can be perceived as "disturbing" to staff or visitors. And so many fragrant varieties disappeared into the background.
Yet orchid scent is making a quiet comeback. More and more enthusiasts are discovering special botanical species or old hybrids that do give off fragrance. Think of species like Brassavola nodosa (with a citrus-like scent in the evening), Maxillaria tenuifolia (which smells like coconut), or Oncidium Sharry Baby (known for its chocolate scent).
What does scent mean to you as a plant lover?
Scent adds an extra dimension to the experience of a plant. It makes caregiving and observation even richer. You notice when a flower opens, when it actively scents and how it changes with the light and season. Scented orchids force you to slow down and look - and smell - more intently, so to speak.
If you're looking for a new experience with orchids, don't neglect scent. Dive into the world of scented species. They tend to be the rarer plants, but that is precisely what makes them so fascinating.
In conclusion
The scent of orchids is a forgotten treasure in the plant world. Many people don't even know that orchids can smell, let alone how diverse those scents can be. But those who delve into it discover a whole new layer of beauty.
Maybe it's time to use your nose as much as your eyes, and look for that one orchid that not only blooms beautifully, but also enchants with its fragrance.
