Encyclia

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin: Tropical regions of America. 

Description. Encyclia is a large genus containing about 250 species of often small, epiphytic orchids. The pseudobulbs are large – 4-6 cm in diameter, round or oblong. Each pseudobulb has 2-3 leaves at the top. The leaves are simple, green, sword-shaped, gracefully curved, 15-35 cm long. The peduncles are tall, vertical, leafless. The flowers are of various shapes and sizes, often fragrant. The color range includes many shades – yellow, burgundy, brown, purple, pink, white.

Height: Varies greatly depending on the specific species. Miniature species reach a height of 15 cm, while large ones grow up to 60 cm.

Home care

Temperature for keeping orchids

For flowering, a daily temperature difference of at least 10° C is necessary. For example, if the air temperature during the daytime can be 20 - 25° C, then at night a decrease to 8° C is desirable. The winter dormant period should take place at a temperature of at least 10° C. Encyclias tolerate short-term temperature drops to 7° C. 

Lighting

Direct sunlight can fall on the leaves in the evening morning hours, every day. It is worth shading the orchid during the day - in spring and summer. In autumn and winter, maximum illumination is necessary. If there is a lack of natural light, fluorescent lamps can be used.

Growing

Encyclia is not the easiest orchid to grow and is only suitable for experienced gardeners.

Orchid substrate

You can use a ready-made mixture for growing orchids or make your own from leaf humus, peat, sphagnum moss, pine bark or fern fibers, well-rotted manure and small pieces of charcoal. The soil should easily allow moisture and air to pass to the roots of the plant; to improve drainage, add coarse sand or perlite. 

Feeding

From spring to mid-autumn, feed with liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks at half strength. Do not feed during the dormant period.

Purpose

Encyclia will look very attractive when grown in a hanging basket.

Flowering time

The flowering period is long – it can last more than a month, and usually occurs in spring or summer. 

Air humidity

About 50 - 80%. Place the pot on a tray filled with wet pebbles or use a room humidifier. You can surround the orchid pot with a layer of wet sphagnum moss or mist the leaves with soft, room-temperature water, providing the plant with sufficient air movement.

Watering

Water regularly and generously during the growing season, allowing the top 3 cm of soil to dry out before each subsequent watering. During the winter months, when the plant is kept cool, protect the soil ball from drying out. The need for watering will be indicated by small wrinkles on the pseudobulbs. 

Transplantation

Repot only if you need to change the soil or pot size, in spring. Never repot flowering specimens. Choose unglazed clay pots with large drainage holes for planting. The clay walls of such pots easily allow moisture and air to pass to the roots of orchids.

Reproduction

By division during transplantation. 

Pests and diseases

Rot occurs when there is insufficient air movement and excessive watering, especially during the winter months.

Among harmful insects, spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs may attack the flower.