Barcella Orchid Plant Care

Barcella odora Drude

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Barcella is a monotypic genus of flowering plant in the palm family found in the States of Amazonas and Roraima in northwestern Brazil. The only known species is Barcella odora which is used by the Brazilian peoples in construction and for various thatched goods.

🪴Houseplants🌴Palms
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Barcella Orchid?

Water Barcella Orchid every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Barcella Orchid Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Barcella Orchid?

Barcella Orchid (Barcella odora) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Barcella genus. Barcella Orchid is native to the States of Amazonas and Roraima in northwestern Brazil.

Barcella Orchid displays a tall, single-trunk palm growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Barcella Orchid produces creamy white flowers in large clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Barcella Orchid?

Barcella odora requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Barcella Orchid Need?

Barcella Orchid thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Barcella Orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Barcella Orchid Prefer?

Barcella odora grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Barcella Orchid prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–85°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Barcella Orchid?

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Barcella Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Barcella Orchid?

Feed Barcella Orchid every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

How Do You Repot a Barcella Orchid?

Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Barcella Orchid?

Barcella Orchid can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.

Is the Barcella Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Barcella Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Barcella Orchid?

Barcella Orchid is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Barcella Orchid Need?

Barcella Orchid grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Barcella Orchid is native to the States of Amazonas and Roraima in northwestern Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Barcella Orchid as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Barcella Orchid is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Barcella genus — compare its care with other Barcella species on PlantoScan.

Barcella is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.

Barcella Orchid thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Barcella odora Drude, family Arecaceae (first published in Fl. Bras. 3(2): 459 (1881)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Barcella Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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