Vivi's Orchid Corner

Dear Orchid Friends:

My Encyclia vespa arrived as a bareroot from Brazil and took nearly a year to acclimate to the pot and then to flower. The flowers were an unexpected delight. Pictures did not fully portray the uniqueness of the flower nor did I have adequate growing information on its arrival.

Description: Encyclia vespa has cylindrical or elongated psuedobulbs, (6-28 cm tall; 3-10 in.). The psuedobulbs have a distinct joint or connection where the second and third leaves attach. Leaves are flat and leafy with 2-4 leaves per each psuedobulb. Encyclia vespa has a sympodial growth habit with psuedobulbs ari sing from a creeping rhizome and is considered a leafy plant.

Flowers: Eight to fifteen flowers grow on a single stalk. Flowers are well spaced and on short stems. Interestingly, the flowers grow upside down on the spike. Flowers are small (3 cm; 1 1/2 in) in diameter and waxy with rounded ends. The petals and sepals are green with reddish brown delicate spotting. The petals are separate and elliptical and curve away from the flower. The creamy lip is uniquely shaped: a trowel-like shape without side lobes which stands upright and erect away from the petals. Flowers are long lasting and ordinarily flower in the summer. My orchid plant flowered in September and October, which is late summer in South Florida.

Culture Tips: This orchid tolerates a wide range of conditions from cool to warm environments. In intermediate and warm climates, grow them with cattleyas. They like to be suspended in pots for good air movement which also allows them to dry out adequately between waterings. Plant them in a mixture of lava rock and bark. Use more lava rock than bark in your mixture. Water thoroughly and let dry between waterings. Since the leaves are flat and leafy, they are more susceptible to dehydration. Spray or mist the leaves and psuedobulbs every day or every other day while keeping the potting medium dry. This prevents the leaves and psuedobulbs from shriveling. The Encyclia vespa is susceptible to spider mites, therefore, misting/spraying the leaves also helps to prevent the infestation by spider mites. Encyclia vespa need bright indirect light and a small to moderate amount of sunlight. During the summer months, my plant received afternoon sun for 1-2 hours each day.

Fertilizing: Encyclia vespa seem to do better with a less frequent fertilizing schedule. Use a weaker fertilizer concentration or fertilize less often. It is important to flush well with water between feedings as these orchids seems to accumulate fertilizer salts easily.

Encyclia vespa is also known as Epidendrum vespa, Epidendrum crassilabium, Epidendrum varregatum, and Epidendrum tigrinum, depending on the country in which it is located. I enjoy growing species and the Encyclia vespa was a treat.

The orchid season is beginning! Numerous orchid shows are forthcoming and these are wonderful months to get acquainted with orchids and visit some interesting shows. Hope you have the opportunity to view some of these shows and enjoy the splendor of the orchids.

Until next time,

Vivi