Encyclia Gail Nakagaki x Encyclia bractescens

[Bud]

Encyclia Gail Nakagaki x Encyclia bractescens

Encyclia Gail Nakagaki = (Encyclia alata x Encyclia cordigera)


Since Encyclia alata is such a large plant, this hybrid result is a smaller size. These are vigorous growers that produce branching spikes on mature plants. The flowers from this combination resulted in dark mahogany reds, with a fragrance that is hard to miss!
Encyclia cordigera is found in lowland, rather dry, scrubby forests of southern Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, and into Colombia and Venezuela. In Central America it is more common on the Pacific coast. These epiphytic plants have fairly large, erect, pseudobulbs that vary in size from 1 to 4 inches tall. They are clustered on a short connecting rhizome and are of a typical conical to pear-shape. Most growths have two leaves that arise from the top of the pseudobulb. The flower spikes emerge from between the leaves and may be as long as 30 inches. Regardless of flower color the chocolate/cherry fragrance is most intense in bright light. Even the shadow of a passing cloud will not reduce the fragrance.

Encyclia bractescens is a miniature tampense type species. It blooms in spring with a simple inflorescences with 5 to 10 flowers per spray. This is an easy plant to grow, it will take a warm summer and needs a warm winter. High light and better air movement will produce more flowers. They do wonderfully in a greenhouse where Cattleyas are grown and do not require a rest period.