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Encyclia orchids , otherwise known asbutterfly orchidsorcockleshell orchids , are known best for their unequalled and dramatic flowers that blossom in succession on a longsighted efflorescence .
Here we ’ll take you through all you take to know about Encyclia orchids , including fact , chronicle and origins , popular species , and tips on how to rise .
Read on below for our accomplished Encyclia orchid guide . Enjoy !
Facts About Encyclia Orchids
Encyclia orchidsare also known ascockleshell orchid , butterfly stroke orchids , andupside - down orchids .
They are sympodial epiphyte and lithophytic plant orchids commonly found in lowland forests of Mexico , the Caribbean , Florida , and other parts of tropic Americas . Most coinage are epiphytic and observe growing on branches or trunk of tree .
General Plant Description
Orchidsin the Encyclia genus extend an assortment of size , depending on the type species . Regardless , they all have a lip that is not entirelyfused to the column but more or less encircles it .
The nameEncyclia , in fact , develop from the Greek wordenkyklein , which refers to the bloom ’s lip envelop the column . The sassing of Encyclia flowers almost always displays a different people of colour than the rest of the flower . It can either be sashay or matted and broad , depending on the specie .
Some species have large and showy blooms , while others showcase little and more discerning flowers . They flaunt a wide selection of colors , ordinarily ranging from yellow-bellied to dark-brown , pinkish , violet , and green . Most of them produce fragrant flowers .
Encyclia vs. Epidendrum
Encyclia were ab initio part of the Epidendrum genus . But in 1828 , English botanist William Jackson Hooker ramify it into a new genus of over 120 known species . Hooker was also the one who named Encyclia viridiflora the type species .
One feature film that differentiates one from the other is the flower ’s rim . In Epidendrum blossom , the brim and column are fused almost all . However , in Encyclia flush , the brim is mix only near the column ’s base ( 1 ) .
Another distinct difference of opinion between the two orchid types is the stem . Epidendrums commonly have thin and reed - like stems or sometimes mold pseudobulbs , but Encyclia orchids almost always have ovoid or flattened pseudobulb ( 1 ) .
The columns of both orchid are also distinct from one another . The clinandrium ( part of the tip of the flower ’s column ) of Epidendrums are typically finely toothed , while that of Encyclias is always three - lobed . as well , the rostellum ( the projecting part of the chromatography column ) of Epidendrums is thin , while that of Encyclias is heavyset ( 1 ) .
The Subgenera of Encyclia Orchids
The Encyclia genus is further grouped into three pigboat - genus , such as Osmophytum , Dinema , and Encyclia ( 1 ) . The sub - genus Dinema only include one species , which is theEncyclia polybulbon(2 ) .
Popular Encyclia Orchid Species
Encyclia tampensis
Common Names : Florida Butterfly Orchid , Butterfly Orchid , Upside - Down Orchid
One of the most beautiful specie of Encyclia is theFloridaButterfly OrchidorE. tampensis , a typical fantastic orchidaceous plant in Florida(3 ) . It is native to South Florida , Cuba , and the Bahamas ( 4 ) .
A intercrossed - favorite orchidaceous plant , Florida Butterfly Orchid showcases absorbing , large efflorescence that measure up to 1.5 inches in diameter . The fragrant efflorescence is yellow - fleeceable with a distinguishable whitish lip and rose - purple stripe detail on petal and lips .
The leave are green , leathery , and measure up to 15 inches in length . E. tampensiscommenceflowering in springand summer , producing up to 45 fragrant flush at the same time .
Encyclia alata
Common Name : Winged Encyclia
TheWinged Encyclia(E. alata ) is a medium- to large - sized orchid specie that can be found through Mexico to Costa Rica .
The greenish - yellow and brown flower of this Encyclia orchid mintage measure out about 2 to 2.5 inches in diam and feature a honey - fresh bouquet . They bloom from May to August along an arching and branched inflorescence of up to 6 ft long ( 5 ) .
Encyclia cochleata
Common Names : Clamshell Orchid , Octopus Orchid , Squid - Type Encyclia Orchid
Encyclia cochleataorchids , otherwise known as theClamshell Orchid , Octopus Orchid , or Squid - character Encyclia Orchids , are autumn- to spring - blooming orchids that originated from Mexico to Venezuela and Cuba ( 5 ) .
The flowers resemble an devilfish , hence the common name . They have narrow petals and sepals that droop down over the ovary and pedicle , whereas the lips are shell - shape and mostly green with purple and mordant stripes ( 5 ) .
One of the best feature of this Encyclia orchidaceous plant is that it continues to bloom for six month , occasionally until the Modern growth matures and commences flowering ( 5 ) .
Encyclia bractescens
Common Name : Bractescent Encyclia Orchid
E. bractescensor theBractescent Encycliaare little epiphyte orchid commonly notice in Mexico , Honduras , El Salvador , Belize , and Guatemala at superlative around 1200 meters .
Clusters of two to twelve bloom typicallybloom during tardy winterto early spring from a light branched blossoming of this mini case Encyclia orchid . The inflorescence farm about 15 inch in height .
Individual blossom are fragrant , long - lived , and measure just about 2.5 cm in diam . Moreover , this Encyclia species feature tightly clustered pseudobulbs and two sheeny , tongue - shaped leaves .
Encyclia radiata
Common Name : Lined Petal Orchid
TheLined Petal Orchids(E. radiata ) are aboriginal to Mexico . They are democratic for their small ( 4 cm ) and highly fragrant creamy white flowers with a white sass that is report with purple streaks .
Each anthesis ( 10 curium in duration ) bluster more or less 15 of these sweetly fragrant flowers . This orchidaceous plant ’s bloom time varies , but it can bloom twice a twelvemonth with blossoms hold up up to 3 calendar month .
Encyclia cordigera
Common Name :
E. cordigerais one of the most well - liked Encyclia orchids that originated from Central and South America . They are well known for their attractive bloom that are not only exceptionally fragrant but also enceinte and showy . Each flower has a broad , flat , and ruffled sass .
The famed intergeneric hybrid Epicattleya Florida is one of the many product of crossbreeding of this Encyclia mintage with other members of the Cattleya alliance . It ’s also commonly used as a parent within the genus to make hybrids .
Growing Encyclia Orchids
Encyclia orchid are relatively easy to arise indoors if given right care and ethnic practices . As a matter of fact , some species like theE. cochleatahave gained popularity ashouseplantsbecause of their captivating and highly fragrant flowers . Below you ’ll find useful Encyclia guardianship confidential information when growing this type of orchid plant life .
Light
Most species of butterfly orchids or cockleshell orchid thrive best under burnished light . Species with soft parting choose half - shade , while Encyclias with thicker leaves do best under brilliant , collateral light . quash placing the plant where there is too much direct sunshine since that will burn their leaves .
Temperature
Generally , these Central America orchids opt cool to strong temperatures . Ideal twenty-four hour period temperatures should be between 70 grade F to 85 degrees F ( 21.1 degrees C to 29.4 degrees C ) , whereas night temperature should be somewhere between 55 level F to 70 degrees F ( 12.8 degrees degree centigrade to 21.1 arcdegree C ) .
Some species like affectionate to hot , but most Encyclia orchids perform best in intermediate temperature .
mark that exposing an Encyclia plant to extended periods of high-pitched temperature may make damage , preclude growth , or reduce flowering . On the contrary , a 10 to 15 degree drop in night temperature will encourage blooming .
Humidity
Keep the humidity at 50 % to 80 % since Encyclia orchids perform best in fairly humid conditions . If you have to increase the humidity , you’re able to expend a humidifier or a humidity tray . you could also mist your plant a few times daily to get gamy humidity .
Water
Encyclia orchids like a moist surround . irrigate your Encyclia plant every 5 to 7 day , but allow the roots to dry out between watering . It can be done every other week in colder months .
However , you may have to do it more oftentimes or at least three times a week during the quick calendar month . The oecumenical rule is to irrigate frequently when the industrial plant is in combat-ready growth and less when it is dormant .
you could use stiff pots to aid govern the soil ’s wet grade . Clay pots are porous , which set aside air and wet to pass through the walls of the pot and into the stain . This facilitate to preventoverwateringand root rot , which can be a vulgar job with orchids .
Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer ( 20 - 20 - 20 ) for Encyclia orchid . Like Epidendrums , these orchid should be fed always when in full growth .
Fertilize every seven days with clear waterings in between during spring to fall . Then , contract to light alimentation once a month during declension to wintertime .
Potting and Growing Media
Most Encyclia orchids grow best mounted on cork or plant in a medium - sized gage . As for the growing medium , Encyclia coinage with flimsy etymon postulate small to medium barque pieces in the potting mix , whereas mintage with thick roots want larger barque firearm .
FAQs
What is the medium for Encyclia orchids ?
Encyclia orchids fly high in a well - draining orchidaceous plant commixture , usually draw up of materials like barque , sphagnum moss , and perlite . This case of medium allow good aeration and drainage to mime their natural epiphytic orchidaceous plant growing conditions .
How long do Encyclia blossom last ?
The duration of Encyclia orchidaceous plant bloom varies by species and growing condition , but generally , the bloom can last several week to a couple of month . Proper care , including suited light stratum , watering , and temperature , can contribute to longer - endure flowers .
What is the difference between Dendrobium and Cattleya ?
Dendrobium and Cattleya are decided genera of orchids . Dendrobiums often have a blossom spike that grows from the top of the pseudobulb and bears flowers along the length of the cane . Cattleyas , in contrast , are known for big , sporty flowers with vibrant colour and a distinctive lip . They typically have rounded pseudobulb and are admired for their beauty and bouquet . The two genus have different growth habits , flower structures , and care requirements .
last thoughts
Successful Encyclia orchid attention involves providing optimal ignitor , well - aerated substrate , and vigilant gadfly control . By adhering to these practices , enthusiasts can cultivate healthy and vibrant Encyclia orchids , showcasing the beauty of these resilient and captivating flowers .
- Photo by RukiMedia / depositphotos
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