Encyclia cochleata

[InspirChid1712]

I just ordered Encyclia cochleata from Hausermann orchids and I was wondering if anybody else has had good experiences with this plant. I'm excited about its arrival and unique flowers, and also wondering if a plant in a 3.5" pot will be close to blooming size?

[dgenovese1]

Hi Elliot,
Congrats on your new chid! I have a hybrid that is very similar to (and is parented by) this species, and it was blooming when I received it in a 4 in. pot. It blooms all the time! I am sure you will be happy.

[Paul]

Very easy plant & that should already be blooming size

[EdinAZ]

Originally Posted by InspirChid1712

I just ordered Encyclia cochleata from Hausermann orchids and I was wondering if anybody else has had good experiences with this plant. I'm excited about its arrival and unique flowers, and also wondering if a plant in a 3.5" pot will be close to blooming size?

I have one that I got about 8 years ago in about a 4" pot, if I recall. It bloomed within a couple of months (and it HAD bloomed before), and just kept going. I broke it in half a few years and it's now in a 6" pot and a 4" pot. It hasn't stopped blooming, not ever, for at least the last 5-6 years, and is due for repotting again.

It's pretty hardy and easy to care for. A great plant, especially for a beginner, and everyone seems fascinated by it ("Is that an Orchid?")

Ed

[cb977]

Elliot, great choice!

This is one chid that just keeps going and going!
I have two and between them both...there is always at least one in bloom

[Plodde]

Can anyone explain HOW they care for it?

[cbuchman]

I've had mine for many years; and it is in a 12" octagonal basket. I lined the basket sides & bottom with coir and filled it with medium bark (with some charcoal, perlite and tree fern to keep it open) They need moisture when growing and less when not. I feed heavily when it is growing. It can take a fair amount of sun, but need to be acclimated. Just watch the leaves and you will know.

It seems to be active for about 9 months of the year and then rest for about 3 months starting in the fall.

Mine is in bloom for about 7-9 months. I typically cut off the inflorescences before I bring it indoors in the fall, though they are still blooming, but by this time they are quite leggy and often have scale. So to limit my bug exposure, I cut them. The only bug problems I've ever had is scale (a never ending battle) and once it had mealies.

I typically have between 5 and 9 spikes each year. In the past 3 years or so, the inflorescence have branched for an even greater display. Last year I broke one off (I hate it when that happens!!!!), but it branched and although it was not the typical elegant looking inflorescence, it did branch and continue it's floriferous display.

I recently purchased a very small alba version which looks like it will bloom this spring. it is in a 3' pot.