Encyclia tampenis in very bad shape

[Leo H.]

Hi everybody,

I purchased an Encyclia tampensis in March and when I unpotted it from its nursery pot, I had to discover that it was completely rootless. Everything rotted away. This seemed strange to me since the plant had been standing in the exact same place with the same automatic irrigation for several years judging by its size. But now, every single root in the very rootbound pot decided to rot at the same time. Like I said, it loocked strange to me even then. So, I did what I could and potted it up in some bark. From that point on, the plant started to shrivel and it hasn't stopped yet. I am surprised by how much it can shrivel, to be honest. It put out new growths, bjt no roots at all. My fear is that it will not produce new roots until the growths are done which the plant will not be able to survive. Additionally, I noticed some brown rot on.the plant today and had to cut it into two pieces, each only one very shriveled Pseudobulb and two new growths. Also, it seems to have Fusarium which would explain the sudden root rot. Anyway, its rhizome is clean now. But I am not sure whether I will be able to save it or if it is worth the effort. Concerning the Fusarium: I have means to keep it in check and isolated. I am very careful after loosing part of my collection and am sure not to havw spread it.

Greetings,
Leo

[estación seca]

Are you sure the roots were rotten?

This plant does best mounted, with very high humidity, and daily watering. I could not grow it in a pot. Now that it is under the automatic daily water spray it grows very easily.

I don't know what to say about Fusarium. I've never noticed it.

[Leo H.]

No, they were dead 100%. Some didn't even have the fiber left.
I am aware that I cannot give her ideal conditions. In fact, I cannot give any tropical orchid perfect conditions since I do not live in the tropics. Orchid growing in a home is always a compromise.
But I've seen images of this species in bloom in german forums. Those are windowsill plants and as far as I am concerned, they don't look bad. It is trickier to flower here, but it is not impossible. Take a look:
RE: Encyclia tampensis - 2
Most Cattleya types have proven to be quite resiliant to low humidity and potted culture (I think that's the point: high humidity doesn't work with pots because they stay too wet for too long), including some of the Carribean Encyclias. Like I mentioned, it is out of question that they could perform better (especially they could grow faster), but if they grow reliably and bloom for me from time to time, I am statisfied
Getting back to my plant: Do you think it is worth a try? I am not gonna lie, it looks even worse in reality than on the picture

Greetings, Leo

[Roberta]

For what it's worth, I have had success with this species only in baskets. Haven't tried mounted, but I think of baskets as 3-dimensional mounts. My daytime humidity is usually moderate (40-60%), occasionally much lower for a few days. Definitely not tropical. It doesn't grow really well (it would probably be happier with Florida humidity... I would much unhappier however ) I suspect that for pots to work, fairly large bark - to give very good drainage - would be necessary. (Again, giving "humidity" not "wet")

[estación seca]

Carter and Holmes in the US has sold small seedlings of this, plus a primary hybrid of it, in small baskets, with a few chunks of very large bark. They are in the southeast of the US, where summers are very warm and humid.

[Roberta]

Mine came from Santa Barbara Orchid Estate, so it certainly can grow in my climate (which is similar to theirs). My plant was one of their $7.50 show specials, so it was pretty small, still surviving some years later.

[Maryanne]

Hello Folks:
Here's a question for those of you with Encyclia tampensis thriving at your place.
I've had one for 7 or 8 years, but it is not entirely happy.
It has one spike now, and one or 2 new p'bulbs coming along. It's in near full sun with a little shade at noon. I'm not an over-waterer.
It is on a 3 inch perforated clay pot. How can I make this plant feel more "at home" like it's in Florida? (I've been to Florida - I know it's hot, though)

If I move it to a small wood basket, when should that be done seeing that it has spikes and new growth at the same time?

Thanks very much for your expert advice!
Best wishes,
Maryanne in western Massachusetts

Can

[Roberta]

E. tampensis at my house struggles, but I grow it outside where it KNOWS it's not in Florida. If yours is in spike and putting out growth, you're doing great. As far as potting... ignore the blooming action. Rather than new growth, watch for new roots. When you see them, that's the time to move it. Don't worry about the spike, leave it, the plant won't notice. There are quite a few members of the Cattleya tribe that bloom and root at the same time. It's all about the roots when repotting, moving to basket, etc. - new roots will establish in new medium quickly.

As far as repotting in bloom, I see it this way... the flowers are already developed, the plant has pseudobulbs to provide energy for the flowers, the rooting action is sufficiently separate that the plant can multitask.

[DeaC]

FWIW, a gal on YouTube in southern FL. grows many orchids tied to her palm tress, including tampensis, and it thrives. Those conditions and her culture gets her success.

[Maryanne]

Thanks Roberta! you're the best...
I bet we would get along great if we were to meet in person.
: -) Maryanne