Vivi's Orchid Corner

July 2004 - Volume 9, Issue 6

Encyclia cordigera: Ode to Summer

Dear Orchid Friends:

I remember walking into a greenhouse one early summer day and the electric magenta lip of an Encyclia caught my attention. Oohh and a fragrance of grape juice was sweetness to my nose.

Encyclia cordigera, as with other Encyclias, is tolerant of cool to warm environments. Encyclias grow in tropical and subtropical regions - humid and sunny. These orchids do well in South Florida.

There is still some discussion whether these orchids are classified as Encyclias or Epidendrums. The general opinion is that these are separate from Epidendrums and are classified as Encyclias due to having pseudobulbs versus reed stems.

My orchid is a wonderful cross: (Enc. alata x Phoenica) x Enc. cordigera kino. Flowers have deep mahogany petals and sepals, and a magenta ruffled skirt. Petals and sepals point inward at the tips. This variety has delicate, dark veining on the lip. The column is creamy white. When viewed in sunlight, the petals and sepals have a slight glisteny effect. Aahh, imagine a light, delicate "grape" flavor. This orchid blooms late spring to early summer. Flowers are long lasting. Flowers are borne on long stems. Each stem produces 10-15 well placed flowers per stalk. Flower stems are nearly 2 feet in length.

Pseudobulbs are large and round and are called a sympodial orchid. Each pseudobulb produces two long, strap-like leaves. Leaves are slim and tapered with pointed tips. Leaf consistency is that of cattleyas: heavy and with substance.

Encyclias generally like ample sunshine. Plants can be potted in well drained pot or mounted. Encyclia cordigera is a large, substantial plant and quickly fills and outgrows pots. I keep my particular orchid on the dry side but water well and more frequently in the hot spring and summers and when the flower stems start for form it is housed inside a screened pool enclosure year round. It receives sunlight most of the day. It is tolerant of the summer heat and chilly nights of winter.

Seasons are always identified by the individual trees/flowers blooming at specific times of the year. My Encyclia (alata x Phoenica) x Enc. Cordigera kino) blooming symbolizes the start of summer for me. What a colorful entry it makes!

Until next time,

Vivi