Enc. bractescens

[backyarder1]

I just attended my first meeting of the local orchid group and I won a beautiful little orchid that says "Enc. Bractescens" on it. It is so beautiful and delicate! I have never had an orchid this delicate looking so I am hoping I can keeping it going. It already looks a little yellowish and drooping since I brought it home. Do the blooms on this type of orchid not last very long?

[Gage]

Mine last about 2-3 weeks depending on the weather. This species is not delicate, it likes to dry completely between waterings and very high light. Enjoy!

[backyarder1]

That is so funny! Almost exactly opposite of what a man at the orchid society told me. He told me to water it every day. Geesh! I guess I getter look it up online somewhere just to verify.

[cbuchman]

Encycla (E.) bractescens is synonymous with Epidendrum (Epi.) bractescens. I grow mine in medium light in a clay pot to which I added holes with a masonry bit. I does do well with night temps below about 60F and I see that Orchid Wiz says to keep wht night temps about 65F (doesn't happen at my house )

[backyarder1]

The one I got is mounted on a piece of bark so it can't really hold any moisture. Maybe that is why I was told to water it every day.

[cbuchman]

Yes, if mounted your will probably need to water every day. It's always good to wet the entire mount. Root will adhere better.

[backyarder1]

Thanks Carrie.

[Gage]

I do water mine every day, it is mounted on tree fern. If I had it in a pot I'd have to water it once or twice a week.