Most Encyclia species require a fair about of room due to their extremely long inflorescences. Some end up reaching over four feet. The plants themselves are generally very manageable on a windowsill or under lights until the inflorescences come. If you are interested in these tropical beauties but can not accommodate their flower spikes, there are some options for you. Encyclia bractescens is a miniature to small growing Encyclia native to Mexico and Central America. The small egg shape pseudobulbs are topped with attractive grass-like foliage. As the pseudobulbs mature, inflorescences appear between the leaves. These inflorescences can reach about 12 inches and carry more than 12 two inch flowers. This small orchid puts on quite a long lasting show.
My Encyclia bractescens has been in bloom for over a month. I am very impressed with my first-time bloomer. The narrow, thin leaves indicate its ability to take relatively high light. So I grow it very close to a south window in the winter and in direct east morning light outdoors in the summer. It grows in warm to intermediate conditions year round. It likes to dry between waterings but its pseudobulbs will easily wrinkle when allowed to stay dry too long. Mine is growing in medium sized bark, charcoal, and perlite, and it is potted in a plastic basket.
Eventually I hope to mount a portion of it. It seems to be very tolerant of humidity levels between 40-50% and forgiving of slight under watering. In my book, that makes it a great choice for mounting and displaying in windowsill or under lights. Plus, mounting would allow the flower spikes to hang in a graceful display. Hmm... maybe I will just buy another one and mount it.
No comments:
Post a Comment