The Encyclia orchid, also known as the cockle orchid, thrives when grown on an orchid stand to simulate epigenetic growing conditions in the wild.
Source: Crazyforflowers
Care for orchids Enceclia
Caring for Ecyclia Orchids can vary considerably depending on the species you choose. They may be quite special in the light and water they receive, but they are such beautiful plants that they are well worth the effort.
Light
Place Encyclia Orchids in a bright, indirect, filtered light (even brighter than necessary for Cattleya). They will grow under fluorescent bulbs, but natural light is best.
East-facing windows provide ideal morning sunlight and protect the plant from the midday heat that can burn leaves. Cover the hot midday sun from the south with a curtain
Encyclia, like Epidendrum, can also grow especially well underneath house screens like pools or patios.
Soil
Pot in a special potting mix that drains well. Raw fir bark, lava rock, river rock, hardwood charcoal, broken pottery, and fern logs are all good choices to encourage roots to wet and then dry quickly.
Drinking water
To catch moderately humid air, place the pot on top of damp pebbles and mist occasionally with a spray bottle.
Encyclia orchids are native to moist and warm forests, woodlands and swamps, where they can grow on tree trunks and branches by absorbing moisture and nutrients from rain and air. and water.
South American species need very little water because they absorb moisture from high humidity. Brazilian species also do not need frequent watering, only when the pseudobulbs are atrophied.
For species from Florida and the Caribbean, water every 5 to 7 days during warm months with warm water or rain. Let the roots dry out between waterings. Water at most every two weeks when the orchid hibernates during the winter. Start watering more often when new plants appear.
The Central American species need slightly less water than these species but more than their relatives from South America and Brazil.
Temperature and humidity
Most orchids are hardy in USDA Zones 9 through 11, where conditions are at least semi-tropical.
Maintain a warm, but not hot, daytime temperature, around 85 degrees F. At night, open a nearby window and move the orchid to a spot closer to 70 degrees. Such cooler temperatures will encourage the orchid to bloom.
Fertilizer
The fertilizer should be similar to the potting intestine. Use 20-20-20 with ferns or charcoal. Use 30-10-10 with fir bark. Feed plants with a urea-free fertilizer weekly, when the soil is moist during the warm months. Fertilize once a month or less in winter.
Breeding the Ecyclia Orchid
Divide into parts of the four pseudobulbs or bodies. Remove dead roots and set branches aside. A week later, new root growth may appear. New pot and place in a slightly lower light for a few weeks.
Gourd and repotted
Both Epidendrum and Encyclia Orchids do not like to be disturbed, so avoid repotting unless necessary. If necessary, repot after flowering stops. Soak in warm water for 10 minutes to reduce the risk of root damage.
Potted in clay pots, or if humidity is high, orchids can also thrive in wooden baskets to allow air to flow through the roots and minimize waterlogging problems. Plastic is also okay, although water evaporates more slowly than in clay.
