Promenaea xanthina - fragrant flowers

Promenaea xanthina is a rare species of epiphytic orchid native to the rainforests of Brazil, prized for its bright yellow, waxy flowers , slightly rounded in shape and a subtle fragrance. This small orchid is part of the Orchidaceae family and is ideal for orchid collectors or lovers of unusual plants, adapted for cultivation in terrariums, display cases or spaces with high humidity.

It has a sympodial growth and forms small pseudobulbs, from which emerge narrow leaves and delicate flowers, in sunny colors, which can appear in waves several times a year, under ideal conditions.

The blooms are massive and spectacular - each bulb can produce 1-2 flower stalks 5-10 cm long. Each stalk usually bears 2 yellow, pleasantly fragrant, long-lasting flowers.

Fragrant flowers: Yes

Synonyms: Zygopetalum citrinum, Zygopetalum xantinum, Eulophia crinita, Eulophia stenochila, Maxillaria citrina, Maxillaria guttata, Maxillaria lawrence, Maxillaria xanthina, Promenaea citrina, Promenaea xanthina var. major

🌿 Botanical characteristics:

• Full name : Promenaea xanthina

• Family : Orchidaceae

• Plant type : epiphytic orchid, perennial

• Flowers : deep yellow, waxy, slightly fragrant, 3–5 cm in diameter

• Foliage : light green, lanceolate

• Flowering : spring - autumn (with possibility of periodic re-flowering)

☀️ Growing conditions:

• Light : indirect, bright light (no direct sun)

• Temperature : prefers moderate temperatures: 16–24°C

• Humidity : medium to high; ideal for terrariums or closed display cases

• Watering : regular, with partial drying between waterings; prefers rainwater or distilled water

• Substrate : fine pine bark + sphagnum or mix for epiphytic orchids

• Fertilization : slightly diluted, once every 2 weeks during the growing season

✔️ What makes it special:

• The yellow, waxy flowers , with a discreet fragrance, are extremely rare in the world of orchids.

• Small size , ideal for collections or limited spaces

• Can bloom several times a year

Height with pot included: approx. 15-20 cm

This variety naturally has defective leaves. The color of the flowers varies.