The Best Orchid Varieties For A Naturally Fragrant Home

There are times when your home just doesn't smell right. While you're working all day, the windows stay closed. Over time, it can create a stale, stuffy smell that isn't very pleasant. The odor can permeate every room in the house, from the sheets to your furniture and even the air. While candles and fabric softeners can mask the scent, they don't get rid of it completely. According to a home fragrance expert, there are a few ways to make your house smell amazing that don't involve lots of chemicals and artificial notes. 

Another solution not mentioned is to have flowers in your room. They release a natural scent throughout the day. Orchids are one of the prettiest and most fulfilling to grow, but they aren't usually associated with scent. There are exceptions, though. While many common orchids don't have a fragrance, certain groups are known for their beautiful scents. Oncidiums are one such group, and have some amazing smells related to food and sweet treats. Of these, there are three notable choices – Oncidium Burgundian, Sharry Baby 'Sweet Fragrance', and Heaven Scent 'Redolence'. 

Oncidium Burgundian is a strong contender if you like a mix of sweet and spicy. It comes from parent plants Oncidium schroederianum and 'Harry Sutton'. The scent is often compared to cloves. Other times, it can be described as having a fragrance that makes you think of wine, and it has been described as having undertones of cinnamon, citrus, and chocolate. This flower has a deep red color, bordering on burgundy so it looks a little like the wine its smell represents. The plant is rather short, perfect for a crowded room.

Sharry Baby 'Sweet Fragrance' is one of the most notable Oncidiums when it comes to fragrance. It blooms twice a year, in spring and fall, with lovely little white and purple petals, making it not only a beautifully scented flower, but a pretty one to look at as well. It's described as having a chocolatey note that has a stronger scent in the morning which fades over the day. Another benefit of Sharry Baby 'Sweet Fragrance' is that it is a relatively easy orchid to grow. However, there is a slight problem with its appearance, which is that when it becomes stressed, black, necrotic spots form on the leaves.

Another option is Heaven Scent 'Redolence'. This variety is a blend between 'Ruffles' and Sharry Baby and smells like sweet chocolate, fairly similar to one of its parent plants. In fact, it has an odor so similar to chocolate, that it's sometimes referred to as the chocolate orchid. However, some people also refer to it as smelling more like a chocolate chip cookie. It's a great alternative to Sharry Baby as it has a comparable smell that isn't quite as strong. 'Redolence' also looks somewhat similar to its parent, featuring white and purple flowers. However, they are a little more reddish, appearing almost maroon in many cases. It creates several small – less than an inch – flowers. Additionally, it doesn't grow the necrotic spots when stressed, making the plant as beautiful as it is fragrant.

It's worth noting that you don't want to just pick any old orchid and hope for a pleasing scent. Many orchids don't release a smell at all, and a few have smells that aren't entirely pleasant. It's worth doing a little research to make sure you understand more about the orchid you're purchasing, especially if you plan on buying it online. If you want a fragrance all the time, you need to get an orchid that blooms regularly. While some bloom multiple times a year and keep the fragrance going, they don't all do that. Oncidiums have amazing smells, for example, and many bloom three times a year. However, if you have one that doesn't do that, there are options outside of Oncidiums that might bloom at a different time than yours.  

Rhynchostylis and Zygopetalums have a range of scents. They are a little more difficult in terms of maintenance, even if you understand the basics of how to successfully care for indoor orchids. Rhynchostylis tend to bloom in the winter or spring and Zygopetalums grow their flowers in fall and spring. Cattleyas are also somewhat simple, similar to Oncidiums, but have different scents and bloom in spring and fall. These are complex and are usually floral and citrusy. Unfortunately, even taking care of 'easy' orchids isn't always all that easy, although hybrids are removing some of the struggle. Take time to identify not only what amazing scents you can get, but also make sure you know beginner tips for choosing the right type of orchid to grow and care for to ensure they will survive in your home.