Encyclia alboxanthina Photos

Photo of Encyclia alboxanthina from Brazil.
João de Deus Medeiros.

This is a nice example of Encyclia alboxanthina which is a Brazilian Encyclia orchid species.  I really like the yellow-green color of the petals and sepals. This photo is of a species growing in the wild.

For more information on how to grow Encyclia alboxanthina, read this article on a related Encyclia species.

Encyclia yauaperyensis

Encyclia yauaperyensis

Common Name: Yauapery Encyclia Orchid

Native to: Brazil and Bolivia. Encyclia yauaperyensis is found growing on trees in the proximity of the Brazilian provence of Yauapery. It is part of the Alto Amazonas region of Brazil.

Plant Size: Medium. The plant has pear-shaped or conical pseudobulbs and two upright linear, sword-shaped leaves.

Flower Size: About 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Flower Description: The petals and sepals of Encyclia yauaperyensis are olive-green in color with washes of yellow. The lip is creamy with red or magenta spots and veins.

Bloom Season: Unknown.

Growing Temperature: Warm to Intermediate.

Additional Information: This species is very rare and is seldom grown in collections today. Grow like other members of the genus mounted on cork bark slabs or in slatted baskets. Provide standard Cattleya growing conditions with a little more humidity.

Synonyms: Epidendrum yauaperyense

Encyclia xerophytica

Encyclia xerophytica

Common Name: Desert Encyclia

Native to: Brazil. Encyclia xerophytica is found growing in dry, desert-like habitats in the Brazilian state of Bahia where it grows on rocks. The species was discovered by A.B. Gomez Ferreira in 1972 but the exact location was never disclosed to keep collectors from decimating the population.

Plant Size: Small. Encyclia xerophytica has upright cone-shaped pseudobulbs that have three fleshy leaves that grow to 4 inches (10 cm) long.

Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers are olive green with brown and have a with lip with rose blotches. Flowers tower over the plants on 18 inches (50 cm) unbranched flower stem that have up to 10 flowers.

Bloom Season: Summer

Growing Temperature: Intermediate.

Additional Information: Grow this rupicolous species like rupicolous Laelias in clay pots with inorganic growing media. Allow the growing media to dry between watering. Encyclia xerophytica is unusual and attractive but may prove difficult to grow in collections. It is not widely grown.
Synonyms: None.

Encyclia withneri

Encyclia withneri

Common Name: Withner's Encyclia

Native to: Encyclia withneri is endemic to the island of Andros in the Bahamas. The plants grow on trees and shrubs in shrubby forest habitats.

Plant Size: Small to Medium

Flower Size: 0.5 inches (1.25 cm)

Flower Description: description

Bloom Season: Spring

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm

Additional Information: Encyclia withneri is a small encyclia species that was first discovered in the 1970's. It is limited in distribution and in cultivation. Grow mounted on cork bark or grow in a slatted basket. The species was named after Dr. Carl Withner who is an American botanist who specializes in Cattleya orchids.

Synonyms: Epidendrum withnei

Encyclia viridiflora

Encyclia viridiflora

Common Name: Green-flowered Encyclia

Native to: Brazil. The original specimen was collected near the city of Rio de Janeiro in the 1800's. It has not been seen in the wild in many years and is possibly extinct.

Plant Size: Medium to Large. Encyclia viridiflora produces large onion-shaped pseudobulbs that have two folded leaves.

Flower Size: Small. Less than 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers of Encyclia viridiflora are green with a purple blotch at the base of the petals. Flowers do not open all the way and the flowers themselves are not really all that attractive. Several flowers bloom on a lightly branched panicle that grows among the leaves.

Bloom Season: Unknown

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm.

Additional Information: Only one specimen has been found and it is the type specimen for the genus. It is quite possible that this species has been lost due to habitat destruction.

Synonyms: None.

Encyclia viridiflava

Encyclia viridiflava

Common Name: Yellow and Green Encyclia

Native to: Brazil. Encyclia viridiflava is native to the far western Brazilian state of Rondonia where they grow on trees.

Plant Size: Medium. Encyclia viridiflava has 1 inch (2.5 cm) pseudobulbs that produce two wide, upright leaves that grow to 9 inches (22 cm).

Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Flower Description: The attractive star-shaped flowers of Encyclia viridiflava are lime green in color with a pale yellowish-green lip that has magenta markings. No fragrance. The flower spike is unbranched and produces up to seven flowers that bloom among the leaves.

Bloom Season: Winter (June in Brazil)

Growing Temperature: Intermediate.

Additional Information: This species may end up being a synonym for Encyclia chlorantha. Grow mounted on cork or in a slatted basket. Provide ample water during periods of active growth and provide the plants with a dry winter rest period with reduced water. Cattleya growing conditions are acceptable. This species was just described at the end of the twentieth century and is not widespread in the trade. I expect to see more of these attractive plants in the future.

Synonyms: None.

Encyclia unaensis

Encyclia unaensis

Common Name: Una Encyclia

Native to: Brazil. Encyclia unaensis is native to a narrow strip of the Brazilian coast in the state of Bahia. It grows on a narrow coastal strand that gets more than average rain. Cattleya kerrii and Laelia alorii grow in the same habitat.

Plant Size: Medium to Small. Encyclia unaensis has 1 inch (2.5 cm) pear-shaped pseudobulbs and one or two leaves that grow to 10 inches (25 cm).

Flower Size: Small. 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Flower Description: The petals and sepals of Encyclia unaensis are olive-green with a brown wash and light yellow margins. The lip is cream colored and has colored markings. and a dark central spot. No fragrance.

Bloom Season: Spring (November in Brazil)

Growing Temperature: Warm to Intermediate.

Additional Information: Encyclia unaensis's habitat is preserved in a coastal park that also has a dwarf marmoset habitat. Not common in cultivation. Grow mounted on cork or in slatted wood baskets. Provide Cattleya growing conditions with more humidity and more frequent watering. The species comes from a wet, humid microclimate.

Synonyms: None.

Encyclia tuerckheimii

Encyclia tuerckheimii

Common Name: Tuerckheim's Encyclia

Native to: Mexico. Encyclia tuerckheimii is found growing in the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Chiapas and Guatemala. It grows on trees in cool, moist pine and oak evergreen forests between 1400 and 2300 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Medium. Encyclia tuerckheimii has pear-shaped pseudobulbs that are tightly clustered. Each growth has two or three leaves.

Flower Size: 1.5 inches (4 cm)

Flower Description: Fragrant. Flowers are fleshy and substantial and last for a long time on the plant. The flowers have a distinct citrus-like fragrance reminiscent of tangerines. Few to many flowers are produced on a simple or lightly branched flower stalk.

Bloom Season: Spring, Summer, Fall

Growing Temperature: Cool.

Additional Information: Encyclia tuerckheimii prefers cooler, moister growing conditions than most other members of the genus. Mount on cork or grow in a slatted basket. Water frequently and keep moist but not wet. High humidity is appreciated.

Synonyms: Epidendrum tuerckheimii

Encyclia trachycarpa - Rough-fruited Encyclia

Encyclia trachycarpa

Common Name: Rough-fruited Encyclia

Native to: Mexico. Encyclia trachycarpa grows on trees in dry deciduous tropical forests and arid regions of the Mexican states of Colima and Jalisco. Sometimes it even grows on cacti. It is found growing from sea level to 1300 meters.

Plant Size: Medium. The pseudobulbs of Encyclia trachycarpa are cone-shaped or egg-shaped and tightly clustered.

Flower Size: 1.5 inches (4 cm)

Flower Description: Encyclia trachycarpa produces flowers on an 18 inch tall (45 cm) unbranched or slightly branched flower stem. There are usually 6 to 10 flowers per stem.

Bloom Season: Late Spring to Early Summer

Growing Temperature: Warm to Intermediate

Additional Information: Grow Encyclia trachycarpa mounted on a cork slab or tree fern or in a small slatted basket. Provide bright light for best growth.

Synonyms: Encyclia adenocarpon subsp. trachycarpa, Epidendrum trachycarpum

Encyclia thrombodes - Pflanz's Encyclia

Encyclia thrombodes

Common Name: Pflanz's Encyclia

Native to: Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, Peru. Encyclia thrombodes has been discovered growing near Villa Montes, Bolivia.

Plant Size: Medium. Leaves grow 8 to 14 inches (25-35 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.

Flower Size: 1.5 inches (3 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers of Encyclia thrombodes are green washed with brown. Petals and sepals are pointed. The lip is spade shaped, white, and has rose markings. Many flowers are produced on a tall, branched flower stem that blooms amongst the leaves.

Bloom Season: Summer?

Growing Temperature: Intermediate

Additional Information: This species is the most southern member of the genus and grows on trees. Grow mounted and provide typical Cattleya growing conditions.

Synonyms: Epidendrum thrombodes, Encyclia pflanzii

Encyclia tarumana - Taruma Encyclia

Encyclia tarumana

Common Name: Taruma Encyclia

Native to: Brazil. Encyclia tarumana is found growing along rivers in gallery forests near Campinas in the Brazilian state of Amazonas in northwest Brazil. It grows in low elevation rain forests.

Plant Size: Medium. Mature specimens reach 2 feet (60 cm) in height and form substantial clumps. The pseudobulbs are widely separated (as opposed to tightly clustered) and grow to 4 cm tall and 1.5 cm wide. Each growth produces two leaves that grow to 15 inches (38 cm) long and are narrow.

Flower Size: 1.5 inches (3 cm)

Flower Description: Encyclia tarumana has attractive green petals and sepals that are washed with brown. The margin is lighter than the overall color. The lip is white with rose-lilac veins and a dark mahogany-colored mid-lobe. The flower stem is lightly branched and grows to 10 inches (25 cm) and produces between 10 and 17 flowers.

Bloom Season: Spring (September in Brazil).

Growing Temperature: Warm.

Additional Information: Encyclia tarumana is a little known but highly desirable species that deserves more attention from commercial growers and hobbyists. Easy to grow. Provide warm growing conditions with bright light, humidity and air circulation. Grow mounted on cork or in a slatted wood basket with a course growing media.

Synonyms: Epidendrum tarumanum

Encyclia tampensis - Butterfly Encyclia

Encyclia tampensis

Common Name: Butterfly Encyclia

Native to: Florida, Bahamas, Cuba. Its preferred habitat is moist woods and forests from sea level to 25 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Small to Medium.

Flower Size: 1.5 inches (4 cm)

Flower Description: Sweetly fragrant flowers bloom on a simple or branched flower stem that grows to 30 inches (75 cm) tall. The flowers bloom above the leaves.

Bloom Season: Spring. Well-grown plants in the Florida keys bloom from June to September.

Growing Temperature: Warm to Cool (adaptable)

Additional Information: Encyclia tampensis is widespread, adaptable and easy-to-grow. There are a few different color forms available and the species is common in the trade. Encyclia tampense var amesiana is a pale color form that is found in Cuba. Grow mounted on cork bark or wood plaques and provide typical cattleya growing conditions. Many hobbyists grow this species on palm trees in their yards in south Florida.

Synonyms: Epidendrum porphyrospilum; Encyclia tampensis f. albolabia; Epidendrum tampense

Encyclia subulatifolia - Twisted Leaf Encyclia

Encyclia subulatifolia

Common Name: Twisted Leaf Encyclia

Native to: Mexico. Encyclia subulatifolia grows on oak tree twigs in open, dry forests between 1500 to 2100 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Miniature. Encyclia subulatifolia does not have true pseudobulbs. Rather, it has thickened stems and two or three fleshy, cylindrical leaves.

Flower Size: 0.5 inches (1.5 cm)

Flower Description: A few flowers grow on a lax or drooping flower stem that is either unbranched or branched. Flowers are fragrant.

Bloom Season: Mid-Winter to Summer

Growing Temperature: Cool to Warm (Adaptable)

Additional Information: Grow Encyclia subulatifolia on cork or wood mounts. Provide bright light and let the roots dry some between watering. Attractive and compact.

Synonyms: Epidendrum subulatifolium; Microepidendrum subulatifolium; Microepidendrum subulatifolium

Encyclia suaveolens - Sweet-smelling Encyclia

Encyclia suaveolens

Common Name: Sweet-smelling Encyclia

Native to: Mexico. Encyclia suaveolens grows on the Pacific Ocean side of the country in the Mexican states of Jalisco and Nayarit between 240 to 600 meters (800-2000 ft) in elevation. It's habitat is oak forests.

Plant Size: Small. The pseudobulbs of Encyclia suaveolens are round and have two oblong leaves.

Flower Size: size

Flower Description: The fragrant flowers have a citrus scent. Between three and twelve flowers are produced on a 4 inch long stem in the spring that barely extends above the leaves. The flower stalk may be unbranched or branched. Flowers emerge from a newly formed growth.

Bloom Season: Spring

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm

Additional Information: This species was first described in the 1970's. Grow on wood or mounted on cork bark mounts. Typical Cattleya growing conditions are suitable for this species. Provide bright light.

Synonyms: None.

Encyclia stellata - Starry Alanje Encyclia

Encyclia stellata

Common Name: Starry Alanje Encyclia

Native to: Venezuela, Panama, Costa Rica, Columbia. Encyclia stellata has been found growing in dry or seasonally dry forests in Venezuela.

Plant Size: Medium. The pseudobulbs of Encyclia stellata are small and round and have two narrow leaves.

Flower Size: Small

Flower Description: The petals and sepals of Encyclia stellata are greenish-brown and the flowers have a white lip with few (if any) markings. Flowers are star-shaped.

Bloom Season: Late Winter to Early Spring

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm.

Additional Information: This species is one of the few members of the genus Encyclia that are found in both Central America and South America. Encyclia stellata is not currently known to be in cultivation. It is related to Encyclia oncidioides.

Synonyms: Epidendum stellatum, Encyclia hunteriana, Epidendrum alanjense, Encyclia powellii, Encyclia alanjensis

Encyclia steinbachii - Steinbach's Encyclia

Encyclia steinbachii

Common Name: Steinbach's Encyclia

Native to: Bolivia. Encyclia steinbachii is the southernmost member of the genus. It is found growing in forests around 450 meters in elevation near Buenavista, Bolivia.

Plant Size: Medium. The pseudobulbs of Encyclia steinbachii are upright and narrow and grow to 1.8 cm. Each growth produces two or three leaves.

Flower Size: 1.5 inches (3.6 cm)

Flower Description: Encyclia steinbachii reportedly produces large yellowish-green petals and sepals and white lips. The lip has distinctive purple or magenta markings. Flowers are produced on long, arching panicles that have many flowers.

Bloom Season: Summer

Growing Temperature: Intermediate.

Additional Information: Grow Encyclia steinbachii mounted on cork or driftwood mounts or in slatted baskets. The species is very uncommon in cultivation but it has been grown successfully by Fred Fuchs in south Florida.

Synonyms: Encyclia buchtienii

Encyclia spiritusanctensis - Espirito Santo Encyclia

Encyclia spiritusanctensis

Common Name: Espirito Santo Encyclia

Native to: Brazil. Encyclia spiritusanctensis grows on rocks in exposed environments in Epirito Santo.

Plant Size: Medium. Encyclia spiritusanctensis has two leaves per pseudobulb.

Flower Size: 1.5 to 2 inches (3.5-5 cm)

Flower Description: Fragrant. The petals and sepals of Encyclia spiritusanctensis are rosy pink to pale magenta or purple and are broad. The lip is broad and flares out at the tip and is pink to magenta in color with darker markers. The flower stalk is very tall and can reach well over 2 meters in height with the flowers clustered near the tip.

Bloom Season: Summer (February and March in Brazil)

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm.

Additional Information: Encyclia spiritusanctensis was first discovered in 1990. Although this rupicolous species is not widespread, the charming flowers, color, and fragrance should make this a popular species among collectors. Grow like rupicolous Laelias in a clay pot with Alifor (or another inorganic growing media). Provide bright light but do not let the leaves burn. It also needs lots of air circulation to keep the leaves cool. It is similar to Encyclia advena.

Synonyms: Encyclia megalantha var. spiritusanctensis, Encyclia spritiusanctensis

Encyclia spatella - Spatulate-Petaled Encyclia

Encyclia spatella

Common Name: Spatulate-Petaled Encyclia

Native to: Mexico. Encyclia spatella is found growing in the Mexican states of Morelos, Michoacan, and Jalisco. They grow on oak trees in forests near tropical forests and lava flows between 750 and 1500 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Medium. The cone-shaped pseudobulbs of Encyclia spatella bear 2 strap-shaped leaves.

Flower Size: 1.5 inches (3.75 cm)

Flower Description: The flower stem is branched and has many flowers and grows to 48 inches (120 cm).

Bloom Season: Summer

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm.

Additional Information: Grow mounted on cork on in a slatted basket. Large plants make impressive specimens when in bloom. Encyclia spatella is closely related to Encyclia huerta which is a rupicolous species that shares the same native range.

Synonyms: Epidendrum spatella

Encyclia seidelii - Seidel's Encyclia

Encyclia seidelii

Common Name: Seidel's Encyclia

Native to: Brazil. Encyclia seidelii was found growing on trees in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais near the Datas region.

Plant Size: Medium.

Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Flower Description: Encyclia seidelii has olive-green petals and sepals that have a red-brown wash. The lip is broad and rosy-magenta in color. There are 8 or 10 flowers that are widely spaced at near the tip of a tall (70 cm) unbranched flower spike.

Bloom Season: Spring (October in Brazil)

Growing Temperature: Intermediate

Additional Information: This distinctive species has beautiful flowers but is not widely grown and deserves more attention from orchid growers. Encyclia seidelii was discovered by Alvim Seidel who's family has owned an orchid nursery for generations. Grow mounted on cork bark or grow in a slatted basket. Provide bright light, good air circulation, and intermediate or warm growing conditions.

Synonyms: None.

Encyclia sclerocladia

Encyclia sclerocladia

Common Name: Stiff-stalked Encyclia

Native to: Peru. The first plant was collected growing by the Maranon river in Peru.

Plant Size: Small to Medium.

Flower Size: Small. Less than 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Flower Description: The petals and sepals of Encyclia sclerocladia have a yellowish-green base with a red-brown or maroon markings and veining. The lip is small and whitish with some reddish markings. Several small flowers are produced on a stiff, upright flower stem.

Bloom Season: Spring

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm.

Additional Information: The validity of Encyclia sclerocladia is somewhat in question. It has been confused with Encyclia bradfordii which is native to Venezuela. Dr. Withner, an expert in the field, seems to think that there is enough difference between the species along with separate distribution to warrant species status. Grow mounted on cork bark or tree fern or in a slatted basket. Typical Cattleya conditions are acceptable.

Synonyms: Epidendrum sclerocladium