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Encyclias These orchids are well worth a place in any collection. Most have flowers that are quite long-lasting such as E. Cochleata which when large enough can flower perpetually. Many are beautifully scented such as E. Fragrans, E. Chondylobulbon, E. Citrina and E. Radiata. The encylia flowers are amongst the most unusual and intriguing in the orchid family. For example the E. Cochleata or cockleshell orchid which looks more like an octopus than a cockleshell. There are different flowering times for the Encyclia family and various plants flower in spring, early autumn and winter. Many of the Encyclias come from a fairly high altitude ( around 1000~2500 metres) in Mexico and like cool conditions. E. Cochleata likes it a little warmer as it grows at a lower altitude in Florida, Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela. It grows from 100 to 2000 metres. Temp: Maximum: 80F (27C) Winter Min. 50F (1OC) Water: Well in summer, less in winter. All Encyclias benefit from a short dry period when new growth is complete. Care must be taken with the softer stemmed encyclias. Feed: Feed with an good orchid feed during spring, summer and autum. These orchids do well in a cool greenhouse, conservatory or indoors in a cool room. They grow well in pots. The main advantages with Enclyclias are: Mostly small to medium compact plants Most like cool conditions Many of the flowers are beautifully scented, long-lasting, and have intriguing shapes. They are among the 'easier' and less temperamental orchids to cultivate. |