Ursula, that's an excellent point. I was sniffing orchids yesterday and none had a scent. It sounds like these are another with night scent only? That would be OK in a potted plant. I do not know what kind they were, except that they're the kind they always have at L's, when they do have orchids. Stunningly pretty but I don't know how people drive them home intact. That's what stopped me from getting one, like always. If I ever see one without a flower stalk, or with a stalk just beginning, I'm so buying it!!