Culture for Encyclias alata "Early Bird and Chien Ya Smile - Orchid Board

Dollythehun · #1 08-25-2018, 08:55 PM

I have no problem flowering my Catts, Dialalia, and other Encyclias and Epidendrum. The two in the title haven't bloomed despite my best efforts. Does anyone grow them and have suggestions?

Leafmite · #2 08-26-2018, 12:43 AM

Have these bloomed in the past?

Dollythehun · #3 08-26-2018, 07:38 AM

One flower on the Encyclia Chien Ya Smile. The other, no. It was difficult to find much cultural information so I've been growing all the Encyclias the same.

Ray · #4 08-26-2018, 08:44 AM

Maybe you just have a couple of recalcitrant plants...

Dollythehun · #5 08-26-2018, 09:58 AM

That would fit my personality 😎.

Seriously, that was my thought. I've upped the light until they started to scorch, I've watered more and less and put them outside. Nothing.

WaterWitchin · #6 08-26-2018, 10:31 AM

alata needs a drastic temperature change in fall/winter (like Nov thru Feb for us) and cool temperature (65F) and less water as long as humidity stays high.

Possibly not getting cool enough during that time frame? Similar to cool growing Cymbs.

Dollythehun · #7 08-26-2018, 10:33 AM

I'll try it. But 65 with bright light is difficult to obtain.

Dollythehun · #8 08-26-2018, 04:00 PM

Bump.

isurus79 · #9 08-26-2018, 04:26 PM

Encyclia alata blooms well for me in both Hawaii and Texas without a cool down in winter. I always grow this species bright, hot, and with quick drying roots. Maybe too much Nitrogen in the fertilizer?

---------- Post added at 02:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:21 PM ----------

Sorry, I take that back. I only grew and bloomed alata in Hawaii, where it rarely gets colder than 60 degrees at sea level. I haven't grown it in Texas, though I would not likely give it cool temps in winter.

Dollythehun · #10 08-26-2018, 04:42 PM

Little fertilizer. I water 3x a week in summer 2x a week in winter. In summer I use rainwater (if I have it). I use MSU at 1/4- 1/3 strength once a week in summer and maybe once a month I use calmag. I'm a pretty poor fertilizer. Truth told, that amount is probably over stating things. Clay pot, in bark and rootbound, drainage should be great. It hangs right next to the lights (except now it's outside).If it needs cold, it'll have to be rehomed.