Encyclia cochleata, scented ? - Orchid Board

Paula Frayne · #1 03-28-2009, 12:37 PM

Hi,

Just aquired an encyclia cochleata last week (I just love its neat looking flowers!), and I've read that these are one of the encyclia that do not have a scent. But I have noticed a slight peppery scent in the mornings. Has anyone experienced this as well? Just wondering........

P.S. As a new member, I find this site very useful and informative. I especially love all the pictures that are posted!

Glad to be a member,
Paula

SP2340 · #2 03-28-2009, 01:43 PM

Hi, welcome! Sorry I don't have any experience with those but I would love to see a pic!

Paula Frayne · #3 03-29-2009, 11:10 PM

Hi,

Sorry about the delay in reply. Haven't done the picture thing yet, but here is a link to a picture of what my encyclia cochleata (borrowed from 'Ambassador') looks like:

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...cochleata.html

I hope this worked.

Paula

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #4 03-30-2009, 12:57 AM

I grew these before, and the source that's saying that it's not fragrant needs to have their information changed.

Encyclia cochleata or Anacheilum cochleata DOES HAVE A FRAGRANCE. And sometimes it can be quite strong. Smells sweet and peppery. Lovely and unusual plant.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #5 03-30-2009, 01:01 AM

BTW, I currently own a seedling of this, I think it'll start blooming by sometime next year, if not two years from now.

The one I used to own died from a move I made over 10 years ago.

These are really easy growers, and are ideal for the beginner.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #6 03-30-2009, 01:40 AM

You know, I thought about this issue more, and I've come to a conclusion as to why the source may have said that Enc cochleata doesn't have a scent...

I think it's because certain orchids only produce a scent from around 9am - 4pm daily from the time it is in full bloom, to when the flower starts to wilt. And my hunch is that this person may have left home and gotten home in time to miss the smell of the flowers.

The fragrance are said to coincide with the time their pollinating insects are out and about.

AboutOrchids · #7 03-30-2009, 02:13 AM

I think your time of day idea could explain the contradiction, but I also think that scent is a more subjective sense than we generally think. I know there are times I can smell an orchid and somebody standing next to me cannot.

Paula Frayne · #8 03-31-2009, 11:10 PM

Thanks for the input. I guess that experience can sometimes prevail as a better teacher.

Paula