Encyclia cochleata 'Green Giant' - another purchase from Tatton Park

[RosieC]

Ok, first off when I came to post this I got a bit confused. I thought Encyclia was in the Oncidium/Odontoglossum Alliance indeed the website of the nursary I bought this from has it under their Odontoglossum section. But OB seems to have it listed under the Cattleya Alliance. I also think it looks more like the Oncidium/Odontoglossum Alliance in the shape of the p-bulbs.

Anyway... this was another on my wishlist and I'm actually really glad that I forgot to pick one up back in March, because this is a much nicer bigger plant.

This is Encyclia cochleata 'Green Giant' and according to the website of the nursary 'Green Giant' has taller spikes than the norm, indeed one of the things that attracted me to this particular plant (several of the stands had Encyclia cochleata) was it's size and the lengh of the spikes.

There are a lot of p-bulbs of varying size although no new growths which I would have liked if possible. Hopefully they will come along soon.

It has two spikes, each with two flowers and buds forming above them. I'm guessing, but I don't know, that this is a sequential bloomer as there is evidence that it had flowers lower on the spikes previously.

I really love the coolness of these flowers and I'm so glad I've finally got one.





Can anyone give me any care tips on this one, what sort of light, temps and watering does it like?

[camille1585]

I looked it up on Orchidwiz for you, and indeed it is classified as a Cattleya alliance plant. But like you, I would have said Oncidium alliance! It was apparently also victim of a name change, the current accepted name being Prosthechea cochleata.

I also read that they are sequential bloomers and will keep blooming from the same spikes, with the spikes reaching nearly 70cm in the end. It's almost in continuous bloom since by the time that spike dies there is usually another one ready to pop up.

[WhiteRabbit]

definitely Catt alliance! Spikes grow from top of the pbulb, unlike Onc. alliance. I let someone else chime in with care tips - it's lovely btw!

[RosieC]

Thanks Sonya and Camille.

I see what you mean Sonya about the spikes coming from the top of the p-bulbs, definately different to the Oncs.

Camille the spike on this is already about 50cm and I guess if the 'norm' can go up to 70cm then this one is meant to be taller than the 'norm' so could get really big... might have to move it to a lower shelf

[WhiteRabbit]

yeah - other than the spike, the plant growth does resemble Oncidium alliance. If I saw a pic without a name, and no spikes, I would think it was Onc.