laelia or encyclia

[james mickelso]

I started growing these badly and still have trouble with them. Years ago when I fell in love with their heavy citrusy scent, I was able to get coax them into bloom for a couple years but they all declined as time went by. I have one left, have it in the same light/temp that Santa Barbara Orchid Estates has theirs in but still no luck with blooming. For every 3 new shoots it puts on, one yellows and dies back. Help!

[PaphMadMan]

I'm afraid you're going to have to give us more information. Which Laelia or Encyclia do you have? There is a huge range of cultural requirements in these genera, especially if we are talking about the older broader definitions of them. Pictures would help too. And except for a comparison to SBOE, which many of us have no personal experience with, you have given us no idea what your condtions are. Help!

[james mickelso]

The orchid in my post is either encyclia citrina or laelia citrina. I'd love to get this going so it would flower like the original but it justr barely hangs on. The one I have now is the last of the lot. Any help with culture is welcome.

[RobS]

Generally it's called Encyclia citrina. According to Kew it should be Prostechea others say Euchile (as do I). Taxonomy beside. It's not the easiest orchid to grow.

Dry and cool (15C) after the new growht has matured. Once the flower appears start to give a little bit of water.
Rather low humidity of the air all year round.
Regular water (and some fertilizer) during the growth period but letting dry between waterings like a Cattleya.

Sounds simple enough but it isn't.

[epiphyte78]

It's a great outdoor grower here in SoCal. Here's a photo of mine blooming last year...



It's mounted under 50% shade cloth but it could probably handle more light...especially since you're closer to the coast than I am. In terms of water...during winter I water it first thing in the morning once a week. During the hottest days of summer I water it at night every other day. I start watering at night once the temps stay above 55F...the lower evaporation rate gives it enough time to absorb all the water it wants. It dries out completely between waterings.

If you haven't had a chance to read it here's a great AOS article...

Growing Orchids Outdoors in Southern California

To see what other SoCal orchid growers are growing outside check out...

Roberta Fox's Outdoor Orchids
Don Brown's Outdoor Orchids

If you're ever up this way you're welcome to come by for a tour. Just send a PM.