ENCYCLIAS FAMILY
ENCYCLIA CORDIGERA (LARGE LIPPED ENCYCLIA)
ORIGIN
This is one of 242 species belonging to the genus Encyclia that can be found in the tropics of the Americas. Encyclia can be found from Mexico to Costa Rica. It is an epiphyte and grows in tropical forests on slopes from 300 to 4250 feet in elevation.
DESCRIPTION
This is a moderately large plant that can grow to a height of 23 inches. It has pseudobulbs that are pear shaped and can be up to 5 inches tall. The pseudobulbs usually carry at their tops a pair of long slender leaves that may range from 4 to 20 inches long and 1/2 to 2 inches wide. The flowers
are borne on an upright inflorescence that may grow to be 35 inches or longer on a mature plant. The spike originates from between the two leaves at the top of the most recently matured pseudobulb. The 2.5 to 3 inch fragrant blooms are usually yellowish green with brownish red streaks or markings
on the outward ends of the petals and sepals. The lip, often a dusty white, is three lobed and has reddish purple streaks on the center lobe. These plants bloom most often during the summer months.
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS
Appreciates moderately bright light (2500-3000 fc) without direct exposure to midday sun. Provide filtered or dappled sunlight when possible.
TEMPERATURE
During the growth period, these plants require warmth with day-night temperatures in the 84-70° F range, and in the cooler winter rest period they need day temperatures of 77 degrees F and night temperatures of 63° F. They should receive a daily temperature swing of 9-13 degrees F.
MOISTURE & HUMIDITY
Prefers high humidity (in the 85 - 90% range) for much of the year. Needs to be heavily watered during active growth, always allowing the roots to dry rapidly after watering. In late fall, water sparingly after new growth has matured. Reduce water in winter but never allow roots to dry for long
periods. Feel free to mist occasionally.
FERTILIZING
Mix fertilizer at 1/4 to 1/2 its recommended strength and apply weekly. For best results, use a fertilizer high in nitrogen from spring and early summer and switch to one high in phosphates in late summer and fall. Withhold all fertilizer during the winter rest period. Resume feedings when new
growth starts.
POTTING MEDIUM
Encyclia love to be potted in baskets and pots that allow the water to drain from the roots, allowing them to dry quickly after watering. They do well when slightly underpotted because the medium dries more quickly. We recommend you use a fast-draining medium bark mix with
added charcoal and perlite. You may also do well by
mounting these plants on tree fern or cork slabs if you can maintain high humidity and supply them water every day. Repot only when new growth is just starting.
