Is this an Encyclia fragrans

[sambacmouse]

I bought this plant recently and it is labeled as an Encyclia fragrans. I recently read that they only have one leaf per growing shoot though , so that makes me wonder what this is. I have an Encyclia radiata, but the new plant does not look like that either. It has a mild vanilla and honey like fragrance which has only just started to become noticeable 5 or so days after the flowers opened.

[CTB]

Welcome to the Orchid Board, so pretty it's an
encycia is all I know. A very nice one indeed. TFS

[PaphMadMan]

Three commonly seen species are very similar in appearance - Encyclia fragrans, Encyclia chacoensis and Encyclia radiata.

E. fragrans usually has 1 leaf per pseudobulb, E. chacoensis 2, and E. radiata up to 4.

E. chacoensis often has just 2-3 flowers, E. fragrans and E. radiata usually have more. All are fragrant, but E. radiata can sometimes be unpleasant. Differences in the shape of the flowers are harder to describe.

E. chacoensis leaves often have a blue or grey cast, while E. fragrans and E. radiata are usually a brighter green or yellow-green, but this will vary with light intensity and is hard to compare unless plants are side-by-side.

There are probably other species or hybrids out there that could be confused for these, but less commonly seen.

From what I can see I think you have E. chacoensis - 2 leaves, 2-3 flowers.

You will also find these species listed as Anacheilium or Prosthechea. In the long run one of these will win out, not Encyclia.

[Royal]

Thanks for the great info! I learned something today.

[sambacmouse]

Thank you all for your kind comments and great information.
PaphMadMan I think you are right as I remember there were some Encyclia chacoensis next to the plant I picked up so someone mixed up the tags most likely.
I think this one is commonly mistaken for E. fragrans judging by pictures I have seen on the net.
I wonder if it will develop any more fragrance though.

[Plodde]

does anyone know the care for an encyclia chacoensis?

[VivisFault]

Andy’s Orchids website recommends:

Spring,Summer Blooming. Bright to Shade; 2000-3000 Footcandles (bright indirect light,strong shadowing) Intermediate to Warm; 58°F min. to 88°F max.
I got one. It’s doing well hanging from a piece of tree branch. Already has a floral spike. Looking forward to seeing the flowers

Andy's Orchids - Species Specialist - Encyclia - chacaoensis

[Davey]

So glad to find this answer. I am pretty sure I have a pleasant-smelling radiata. Thank you, PaphMadMan!

Originally Posted by PaphMadMan

Three commonly seen species are very similar in appearance - Encyclia fragrans, Encyclia chacoensis and Encyclia radiata.

E. fragrans usually has 1 leaf per pseudobulb, E. chacoensis 2, and E. radiata up to 4.

E. chacoensis often has just 2-3 flowers, E. fragrans and E. radiata usually have more. All are fragrant, but E. radiata can sometimes be unpleasant. Differences in the shape of the flowers are harder to describe.

E. chacoensis leaves often have a blue or grey cast, while E. fragrans and E. radiata are usually a brighter green or yellow-green, but this will vary with light intensity and is hard to compare unless plants are side-by-side.

There are probably other species or hybrids out there that could be confused for these, but less commonly seen.

From what I can see I think you have E. chacoensis - 2 leaves, 2-3 flowers.

You will also find these species listed as Anacheilium or Prosthechea. In the long run one of these will win out, not Encyclia.