The Campylocentrum aromaticum is a natural and epiphytic orchid, with monopodial growth, native to the southeast and south of Brazil, as well as the northeast of Argentina, where it thrives in cerrado environments and areas of the Atlantic Forest, from sea level to over 2953 feet (about 900 meters) in altitude. The name of the genus “Campylocentrum” is the Latinization of the Greek words: καμπύλος (kampýlos), which means “curved,” and κέντρον (kéntron), which means “spur” or “stinger,” referring to the nectary that exists at the base of the labellum of its flowers. The species name “aromaticum” means fragrant. The genus “Campylocentrum” consists of just over sixty species of micro-orchids, some aphyllous (without leaves), originating from the Americas. This is one of the few monopodial genera that are native to Brazil.
Initially, the plant may resemble a “Epidendrum” shoot. However, the aerial roots and alternate leaves reveal that it is a different plant. It blooms in autumn, producing small inflorescences in a raceme with delicate white flowers and a yellow column. The flowers last for 15 to 20 days, arranged in a dense fan-like manner. As the name suggests, they are fragrant, with an aroma reminiscent of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus).
It should be grown under diffused light, with shading of about 60% (30,000 lux), on small logs or long-lasting pieces of wood, such as coffee tree branches or citrus trees. Since it is a monopodial with many aerial roots, it does not tolerate potting well, but you can cultivate it like Vandas (Vanda sp) in small baskets. Campylocentrum aromaticum thrives in temperatures between 45 and 95ºF (5-35°C), with a relative humidity of around 70% and excellent ventilation. Watering should be more frequent in the hotter and drier seasons to maintain a high humidity level in the environment. Fertilization should be done weekly to avoid excessive salts. A suggested fertilization includes a solution of 4 drops of Peter’s 20-20-20 ready-to-use (2 grams of fertilizer per liter) per liter of foliar spray water. In other words, it is frequent fertilization but quite diluted. In winter, it is recommended to suspend fertilization and reduce the number of waterings since the plant reduces its metabolism.
