For those in a hurry
- Chocolate orchids are not a single species, but a group of orchids that have a chocolate-like fragrance.
- Some examples are Oncidium Sharry Baby, Encyclia Phoenicium, Encyclia Cordigera, and Cosmos Chocolate.
- They are easy to grow and can bloom for several weeks or months.
- This orchids can attract pollinators and delight your senses with their delicious aroma.
What are chocolate orchids?
Chocolate orchids are not a specific type of orchid, but rather a term used to describe any orchid that has a scent similar to chocolate. Some orchids have a strong and rich chocolate fragrance, while others have a more subtle and sweet one. Some even smell like chocolate mixed with other flavors, such as honey, vanilla, or roses.
Why some orchids smell like chocolate?
The reason why some orchids smell like chocolate is not fully understood, but it may have something to do with their pollination strategy. Orchids are known for mimicking the appearance or scent of other plants or animals to attract pollinators. For example, some orchids look like bees or butterflies, while others smell like rotting meat or dung. This orchids may have evolved to smell like chocolate to lure insects or birds that are attracted to sweet and sugary substances.
How to grow this orchids?
Chocolate orchids are generally easy to grow and care for, as long as you provide them with the right conditions. Most chocolate orchids prefer bright but indirect light, moderate temperatures, high humidity, and regular watering and fertilizing. They also need good air circulation and well-drained potting mix. Depending on the species, this orchids may bloom once or twice a year, or continuously throughout the year. The flowers can last for several weeks or months, filling your home with their delightful fragrance.
Where to buy this orchids?
This orchids are not very common in most nurseries or garden centers, but you can find them online or from specialized orchid growers. Some of the most popular chocolate orchids are:
- Oncidium Sharry Baby: This hybrid orchid has long spikes of reddish-brown and white flowers that smell like milk chocolate. It is one of the most fragrant and prolific chocolate orchids, producing multiple flower spikes at a time.
- Encyclia Phoenicium: This orchid is native to Cuba and has purple and white flowers that smell like dark chocolate. It is also known as the chocolate doll of Cuba.
- Encyclia Cordigera: This orchid grows in Central and South America and has pink or purple flowers that smell like chocolate, honey, and vanilla. It is also called the heart-lipped orchid.
- Cosmos Chocolate: This is not an orchid, but a flowering plant that belongs to the aster family. It has dark brown flowers that smell like cocoa powder. It is easy to grow from seeds and can be planted in containers or borders.
If you love chocolate and orchids, you should definitely try growing some chocolate orchids in your home. They will not only add beauty and color to your space, but also fill it with their sweet and irresistible aroma.
