Encyclia cochleata Care

[aliceinwl]

Another of my new additions: Encyclia cochleata. I love the octopus like flowers. Mine is a small plant with three pseudobulbs, two of which have previously bloomed and one is in spike. It’s in packed sphagnum. From what I’ve read this doesn’t seem to be a media that would be conducive to long term success.

How picky are these about repotting: do I need to wait until I see root growth? I’ve read they can tolerate temperature extremes but are classed as intermediate growers: how cold can they go (I’d like to try to at least summer it out doors)?

It sounds like water requirements are similar to Cattleya types: fast draining media that dries quickly (why I’m thinking spagnum will be a challenge).

If they can take root disturbance when not in active growth, I have some Cattleya bark based mix I can move it into. I’m on the fence whether I want to use a clay pot or a plastic slotted pot (opinions?). If they can’t take root disturbance when not in active growth, I’ll take it out of the plastic sleeve type pot it’s in now and plop it moss and all in a clay pot until it’s ready for repotting.

[Roberta]

I think you can go ahead and repot, weather is warming up. While they are best repotted when root growth starts, like any other orchid, I have not found them to be particularly picky. I'd get them out of moss... small/medium Cattleya bark would be fine, and clay pot should work well.

[Paul]

Is that one back to being and "Encyclia" again?

[Roberta]

It's officially Prosthechea (with its non-resupinate flowers). But who has time to update tags???

[aliceinwl]

It’s been repotted. This one was from an Asian vendor. It looks like it was probably brought in bare root and recently potted into the moss. The roots weren’t really integrated into the substrate, but did seem to be in decent health.

Any thoughts on temperature tolerance or lack there of?

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by aliceinwl

Any thoughts on temperature tolerance or lack there of?

I consider Encyclia (Prosthechea) cochleata to be an easy outdoor grower. Short of serious frost (more that a couple of degrees for a few hours) it should just fine outside where you live. If you grow the hardier Catt hybrids outside, this one should be just fine too.

[aliceinwl]

Great to hear! I’ll move it outside as soon as the nights get a little warmer.

[SaraJean]

Yep, very tolerant of extreme heat or cold and super forgiving, in general. Mine stays outside where it might get into the upper 30’s for a few hours and does fine as long as it’s dry.

[Roberta]

Another really neat thing about this species is its blooming habit... the spike just keeps popping out new flowers for close to 6 months...