Having a hard time blooming my Encyclia cochleata

[Mr.Doug]

Hi
My Encyclia cochleata hasn't bloomed in the last 8 years. It appears to grow very well and I've divided it several times. Does anybody have any tips on this plant?
Thank You

[Orchid Whisperer]

Can you send a photo, and some information on how you grow it?

I can't judge about your plant, but sometimes when Encyclias are not blooming, they need more light. Clues might be dark green leaves instead of light green.

Or, is it possible that you have divided it and disturbed the roots too much?

[PaphMadMan]

The Whisperer touched on several important points.

When you divide, how small are the divisions? With a plant that is a reluctant bloomer in your conditions, any division smaller than 4-5 mature growths and a healthy new growth coming on is probably set back to a point where it is 2-3 years from blooming. If a plant was blooming regularly a 3+ growth division should bloom again in 1-2 years in season.

Dividing or even repotting does disturb roots too and that can be an additional set-back. I find this plant's roots love to cling to clay pots. Divide rarely, keeping as large a plant together as you can manage. Repot infrequently, so choose media that will not break down fast. Use plastic pots to minimize root cling.

Then there is light to consider. This species may grow like a weed in lower light but it may not flower. It often needs typical Cattleya level light up to 3500 fc to bloom well. That's often the first thing to try with a reluctant bloomer that is growing well otherwise, gradually increase light intensity, or under artificial light increasing duration may do it.

And, if you are fertilizing regularly, cut the rate or frequency in half.

Final points. This is not a typical "true" Encyclia. It isn't as tolerant of heat, dry conditions and low humidity. Names mean things, and it is probably best to think of this as Prosthechea cochleata as a reminder that Encyclia care instructions may not all apply. Also, this species will do best if ideal growing conditions are maintained year-round without a decrease in light and temperature in winter.

[Mr.Doug]

Thanks very much. I avoid dividing it until I have too. My divisions have about 10 mature bulbs. I will try increasing the light more. I grow under florescent lights in my basement, but will try bringing it upstairs on the next sunny day.
Thanks for all the great advice.

[estación seca]

Would you be able to put it outside in the summer? It would probably do even better outside than in a sunny window.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by Mr.Doug

Thanks very much. I avoid dividing it until I have too. My divisions have about 10 mature bulbs. I will try increasing the light more. I grow under florescent lights in my basement, but will try bringing it upstairs on the next sunny day.
Thanks for all the great advice.

Yes when danger of frost has passed, acclimate gradually to growing in stronger light outdoors. You can start the process even during frost season if you bring it indoors at night.

[Mr.Doug]

Thanks, that's exactly what I'm going to do.