Epidendrum erectifolium

Epidendrum erectifolium

Common Name: Erect-leaf Epidendrum
Native to: Mexico. Epidendrum erectifolium is native to the Mexican state of Chiapas where it is found growing between 1000 and 1600 meters in elevation. It grows on tree branches.
Plant Size: Small. Epidendrum erectifolium has upright reed-like stems with up to eight leaves.
Flower Size: 1.25 inches (3 cm)
Flower Description: Flowers stems are produced at the tip of maturing growths. Up to eleven flowers bloom at the same time. Fragrant.
Bloom Season: Winter to Spring
Growing Temperature: Cool to Warm
Additional Information: Epidendrum erectifolium is an attractive species from Mexico that has fragrant flower. Grow mounted on cork or tree fern or grow in a slatted basket. Provide even moisture and fertilizer.
Synonyms: None

Epidendrum citrosmum - Lemon-Scented Epidendrum

Epidendrum citrosmum

Common Name: Lemon-Scented Epidendrum

Native to: Mexico. Epidendrum citrosmum grows on trees in tropical deciduous forests that border the Pacific Coast.

Plant Size: Small. The stems are cane-like and have many leaves.

Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Flower Description: Flowers smell like lemon. The flower color of Epidendrum citrosmum is bright green and few to many flowers bloom at once on a terminal flower stem.

Bloom Season: Winter to Spring.

Growing Temperature: Warm

Additional Information: Epidendrum citrosmum is another small, reed-stem species from southern Mexico. The fragrance and attractive green flowers make this plant an interesting specimen for your collection. The scent smells more like the crushed foliage of a lemon tree rather than the scent of the fruit.

Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum chogoncolonchense - Cordillera Chogon-Colonche Epidendrum

Epidendrum chogoncolonchense

Common Name: Cordillera Chogon-Colonche Epidendrum

Native to: Ecuador. Epidendrum chogoncolonchense grows on trees at low elevation (200 meters).

Plant Size: Small. This is a miniature reed-stemmed species that has compressed, fleshy leaves and stems.

Flower Size: 1.25 inches (3 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers are produced in pairs on a short terminal inflorescence. Flowers are fragrant.

Bloom Season: Blooms anytime of the year.

Growing Temperature: Warm

Additional Information: Epidendrum chogoncolonchense is named for the Cordillera Chogon-Colonche mountain range in western Ecuador. Grow mounted on cork or tree fern and provide a warm, humid environment. This species is closely related to Epidendrum difforme and Epidendrum romanii.

Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum campaccii

Epidendrum campaccii

Common Name: Campacci's Epidendrum

Native to: Brazil. Epidendrum campaccii grows in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo. It grows on trees at approximately 700 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Small. The stems are upright and reed-like with several leaves.

Flower Size: 0.75 inches (2 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers of Epidendrum campaccii have a strong, pleasant carnation scent. A short flower spike bears between five and eight flowers.

Bloom Season: Late Winter to Mid-fall

Growing Temperature: Cool to Warm

Additional Information: Epidendrum campaccii was named after Marco Antonio Campacci who discovered the first specimen. This is another reed-stem species. It is best grown mounted on wood, cork bark, or tree fern plaques. Keep moist but not soggy and provide typical Cattleya orchid growing conditions. Adaptable. It is not yet common in the orchid trade but the scented flowers are highly desirable.

Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum bracteolatum - Small-Bracted Epidendrum

Epidendrum bracteolatum

Common Name: Small-Bracted Epidendrum

Native to: Ecuador, Peru. Epidendrum bracteolatum grows on trees in low-elevation dry forests.

Plant Size: Medium. Epidendrum bracteolatum has jointed, elongated, plump pseudobulb that have two or three green leaves.

Flower Size: 1.25 inches (3 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers of Epidendrum bracteolatum are white and bloom on a 16 inch (40 cm) long flower stem that develops at the tip of mature pseudobulbs. The flower stem has many flowers that are clustered near the top. Flowers emit a pleasant fragrance during the evening.

Bloom Season: Fall to Spring

Growing Temperature: Warm

Additional Information: This species is an interesting mixture between a pseudobulb-like Encyclia and a tall reed-stem Epidendrum. Grow mounted on cork bark, tree fern, or drift wood. As an alternative to mounted culture, this species may also be grown in a pot with a coarse, free-draining media. Provide ample water and fertilizer during periods of active growth and let the plant dry slightly during the winter when temperatures are cooler. A warm, bright spot in the Cattleya greenhouse is a good location for this plant.

Synonyms: Epidendrum collare, Epidendrum leucopyramis

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 phoenicea - Chocolate Orchid

Encyclia phoenicea

Common Name: Chocolate Orchid

Native to: Bahamas, Cuba, Cayman Island, Grand Turks and Caicos. Encyclia phoenicea grows on trees near sea level.

Plant Size: Medium. The plant is robust and has one to three long linear leaves.

Flower Size: 2 inches (5 cm)

Flower Description: Flowers of Encyclia phoenicea  have olive brown petals and sepals and a purple lip. Fragrant; the flowers smell like chocolate. Up to 25 flowers are well displayed on a 36 inch (90 cm) branched inflorescence. The flower stem emerges from a mature pseudobulb.

Bloom Season: Spring to Fall

Growing Temperature: Warm

Additional Information: Encyclia phoenicea grows well mounted on tree branches, cork bark, or grown in a pot or basket. Keep on the dry side after growth matures. Provide standard Cattleya growing conditions with more humidity and heat for best flowering. The flowers do not all open at once but rather open over an extended period of time providing for a long bloom period.

Synonyms: Epidendrum grahamii; Epidendrum phoeniceum

Encyclia osmantha

Encyclia osmantha

Common Name: Capart's Scented Encyclia

Native to: Brazil. Encyclia osmantha is found growing in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais from Casa de Pedra to St. Jose d'El-Rey.

Plant Size: Medium. The pseudobulbs of Encyclia osmantha produce two leaves.

Flower Size: 2 inches (5 cm)

Flower Description: The petals and sepals of Encyclia osmantha are brown suffused with greenish-yellow. The lip is white and has magenta veins. Fragrant. The flowers are cupped, waxy and long-lasting (up to 2 months).

Bloom Season: Spring?

Growing Temperature: Intermediate

Additional Information: This species is available from orchid growers and at orchid shows and is loved for its flower size and fragrance. There are a few named clones. Grow mounted on cork bark or tree fern mounts. Grow under standard cattleya conditions and provide ample water and fertilizer during periods of active growth. Attractive and satisfying.

Synonyms: Epidendrum osmanthum, Epidendrum capartianum, Epidendrum godseffianum

Encyclia oncidioides

Encyclia oncidioides

Common Name: Oncidium-like Encyclia

Native to: Brazil, Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela. Encyclia oncidioides frequently is found growing as a terrestrial in white sand in northern Brazil. It is thought that its preferred habitats were former lake beds.

Plant Size: Large. The upright pseudobulbs of Encyclia oncidioides are upright and grow to 4 inches (9-10 cm). Each growth produces up to 4 long, broad leaves (37 cm x 3 cm). There is more than the usual amount of space between pseudobulbs.

Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Flower Description: The inflorescence grows to 32 inches (90 cm) long and is branched. Individual branches are short and have many flowers. Petals and sepals are spoon-shaped. The creamy white or yellow lip is small and spade shaped and has magenta or red markings. Encyclia oncidioides has a strong, floral scent that is reminiscent of violets or roses.

Bloom Season: May to August (June and July are peak bloom months).

Growing Temperature: Intermediate

Additional Information: Encyclia oncidioides is the largest species in the genus and the plants are vigorous growers. Grow in a coarse, open media in a wide, shallow pot (i.e. bulb pan) or mount on cork. Use a large mount because the pseudobulbs like to ramble and are not tightly clustered like many other members of the genus. Provide Cattleya growing conditions with adequate air circulation. Water and fertilize during periods of active growth. Attractive and easy to grow. There are many species that were once lumped together under this name so the plant you buy may vary some from the above description.

Synonyms: Epidendrum ensiforme, Epidendrum oncidioides, Epidendrum longiolium, Epidendrum oncidioides sensu, Encyclia longifolia, Encyclia ensiformis, Encyclia vellozoana

Encyclia mooreana

Encyclia mooreana

Common Name: Moore's Encyclia

Native to: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama. Encyclia mooreana grows on larger tree branches in mountainous cloud forests between 270 and 2100 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Medium. The pear-shaped pseudobulbs have two or three fleshy leaves that grow to 20 inches (50 cm).

Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Flower Description: Fragrant. The flowers of Encyclia mooreana smell like honey. The flowers are attractive and are light in color with distinctive markings. The flower stem is heavily branched and grows from 20 inches to 6 feet (50-200 cm). Flower stems develop from freshly matured pseudobulbs.

Bloom Season: Late Spring to Early Summer.

Growing Temperature: Warm

Additional Information: It is clear to see from the appearance of the flowers that Encyclia mooreana is closely related to Encyclia oncidioides.

Synonyms: Encyclia brenesii; Encyclia oncidioides var. mooreana; Encyclia tonduziana; Epidendrum mooreanum; Epidendrum oncidioides var. mooreanum; Epidendrum tonduzianum

Encyclia ivoniae

Encyclia ivoniae

Common Name: Ivon's Encyclia

Native to: Venezuela and possibly Brazil. It was first discovered on the extreme southern edge of Venezuela in the state of Bolivar. Encyclia ivoniae prefers to grow on trees and sometimes rocks in exposed areas in gallery forests along rivers and the edge of the savannah.

Plant Size: Large. Specimens of Encyclia ivoniae can grow to 1.5 meters tall including the flower spike. Pseudobulbs are tightly clustered, pear-shaped, and grow to 5 inches (12 cm) in height. There are two or three broad leaves per growth that grow 20 inches (55 cm) long. When grown in bright light, the foliage develops a purple-maroon cast.

Flower Size: Medium. Flowers grow to 1 inch (2.5 cm) across.

Flower Description: Very fragrant. Encyclia ivoniae has greenish or brownish flowers with maroon spots or coloration. The flowers are produced on a tall (1 meter) branched panicle. Sometimes even the lower branches grow their own branches. Flowers are waxy and substantial and last for 3 to 5 weeks.

Bloom Season: It blooms in December in its native habitat.

Growing Temperature: Intermediate (adaptable to warm or cool growing conditions).

Additional Information: This species is unfortunately rarely grown by orchid collectors but deserves consideration due to its attractive flowers and beautiful fragrance. Grow mounted on cork or grow in slatted baskets to ensure adequate drainage and air circulation around the roots. Provide standard Cattleya growing conditions with brighter light. The foliage of well-grown plants will have a purplish tinge.

Synonyms: None.

Encyclia ionosma

Encyclia ionosma

Common Name: Violet-Scented Encyclia

Native to: Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana

Plant Size: Medium. Encyclia ionosma has small, round, shiny pseudobulbs which produce 2 or three leaves that grow to 10 inches (25 cm) long.

Flower Size: 1.25 inches (3.25 cm) or less.

Flower Description: Very Fragrant. The flowers of Encyclia ionosma are powerfully fragrant and smell like violet blossoms. The flower stalk is either simple or branched and grows just a little taller than the foliage (12 inches or 30 cm). The petals and sepals are greenish-brown and have a lighter margin. The lip is white.

Bloom Season: Spring to Summer

Growing Temperature: Warm

Additional Information: Encyclia ionosma is a great plant for orchid collectors who love fragrance. The plants will eventually grow to make impressive (if small) specimens. Grow mounted on cork bark or in a slatted basket. Provide typical Cattleya growing conditions.

Synonyms: Epidendrum ionosmum, Epidendrum euosmum, Encyclia gabellifera, Encyclia euosma, Epidendrum fabellatum, Epidendrum candollei, Encyclia flabellifera, Epidendrum ionosmum

Encyclia incumbens

Encyclia incumbens

Common Name: Aromatic Encyclia

Native to: Mexico south to Guatemala, Belize, and El Salvador. Encyclia incumbens is found growing in mixed pine-oak and oak forests between 750 and 2100 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Medium. Encyclia incumbens has brownish-purple conical pseudobulbs with one or two tongue-shaped leaves.

Flower Size: 1.5 inches (3.75 cm)

Flower Description: Fragrant. Encyclia incumbens has flowers that vary in color between individuals. Flowers are borne on tall, upright, branched flower stems that can reach almost 36 inches (90 cm) in height.

Bloom Season: Spring

Growing Temperature: Warm

Additional Information: Mount this larger species on driftwood or large cork mounts. It may also be grown in a mesh pot with a coarse, free-draining growing media. Provide typical Cattleya growing conditions with more heat.

Synonyms: Encyclia aromatica; Epidendrum aromaticum; Epidendrum incumbens; Epidendrum primuloides; Vanilla aromatica

Encyclia inaguensis

Encyclia inaguensis

Common Name: Inagua Encyclia

Native to: Turks and Caicos Islands, Bahamas. Encyclia inaguensis is native to very dry environments in the Caribbean and is found growing on low, shrubby vegetation and cacti. This species does not grow above 20 meters in elevation in its native range. It can grow on limestone rocks or trees.

Plant Size: Medium. Encyclia inaguensis has narrow, widely spaced pseudobulbs that produce two leaves.

Flower Size: 2 inches (5 cm)

Flower Description: Flowers are produced on a slightly branched upright inflorescence. Encyclia inaguensis has tawny yellow flowers that are fragrant. Flowers are widely spaced and somewhat sparse.

Bloom Season: Summer

Growing Temperature: Warm

Additional Information: Although the flower spike is not covered in blooms, it is definitely worth growing for the sweet floral fragrance of the flowers. Keep this plant on the dry side since it is from a dry habitat and sensitive to over-watering and the diseases that result from excess moisture. Grow mounted on cork. Provide bright light and good air circulation. A warm place in a Cattleya house near the glass would be suitable.

Synonyms: Epidendrum inaguense

Encyclia howardii

Encyclia howardii

Common Name: Howard's Encyclia

Native to: Cuba. Encyclia howardii is found only in the state of Oriente where it grows in tropical forests. It grows on trees.

Plant Size: Medium

Flower Size: Small. About 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Flower Description: Fragrant. The flowers smell like vanilla. Flowers are produced on lightly flowered branched flower stems.

Bloom Season: Summer to Early Fall

Growing Temperature: Warm

Additional Information: This species was named after an American botanists how was active during the middle of the 20th century. Encyclia howardii is popular because of the fragrance of its flowers. Grow mounted on cork and provide warm Cattleya growing conditions. It is worth growing for the fragrance and makes an interesting conversation piece.

Synonyms: Epidendrum howardii

Encyclia fucata

Encyclia fucata

Common Name: Brown Veined Encyclia

Native to: Cuba, Bahamas, Hispanola.

Plant Size: Medium to Large

Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers of Encyclia fucata are fragrant and smell of vanilla. The flower stem grows to 28 inches (70 cm) and bears up to 50 fragrant flowers.

Bloom Season: Summer to Early Fall

Growing Temperature: Warm

Additional Information: This sough-after species is popular with collectors due to its delicious vanilla fragrance. Grow mounted on cork or tree fern. Provide bright light and warmth.

Synonyms: Encyclia hircina; Epidendrum affine; Epidendrum fucatum; Epidendrum hircinum; Epidendrum obcordatum; Epidendrum polyanthum; Epidendrum sagraeanum

Encyclia diota

Encyclia diota

Common Name: Two-eared Encyclia

Native to: Mexico south to Nicaragua. Encyclia diota is adaptable and is found growing in many habitats including deciduous tropical forests and pine-oak woodland. It grows on trees, rocks, or as a terrestrial between 200 and 1800 meters.

Plant Size: Medium. The pseudobulbs of Encyclia diota are conical and somewhat wrinkled and bear one or two tongue-shaped leaves.

Flower Size: 0.75 inches (2 cm)

Flower Description: The flower stem develops on a mature pseudobulb and grows from 12 to 40 inches (30-100 cm) in height. Between 10 and 80 flowers grow on the branched flower stem and are well-displayed above the foliage. Fragrant.

Bloom Season: Spring

Growing Temperature: Warm to Intermediate

Additional Information: Encyclia diota is a very showy plant and is sought after by many collectors. Grow mounted on cork bark or tree fern or grow in a pot with a free-draining Cattleya orchid growing mix. Provide Cattleya growing conditions and good air circulation. This species is widespread and fairly adaptable in cultivation.

Synonyms: Encyclia diota subsp. diota; Encyclia insidiosa; Epidendrum diotum; Epidendrum insidiosum

Encyclia chloroleuca

Encyclia chloroleuca

Common Name: Green and White Encyclia

Native to: Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela. Encyclia chloroleuca is wide-spread in South America and grows on trees.

Plant Size: Small

Flower Size: 1.25 inches (3.1 cm)

Flower Description: Fragrant. The flowers of Encyclia chloroleuca are bright green and like just like the common name suggests. The petals and sepals are obovate with a pointed apex. The lip is white with a purple central vein. Flowers do not have any fragrance. The flower stalk stands above the foliage (12 inches or 30 cm) and bears between 3 and 8 flowers.

Bloom Season: Late Summer to Fall

Growing Temperature: Warm

Additional Information: Encyclia chloroleuca is widespread and adaptable. Grow mounted or in well-drained pots and provide standard Cattleya growing conditions. Bright light and average humidity is acceptable. Some individuals may have fragrant flowers, but the majority are lacking in fragrance.

Synonyms: Epidendrum chloroleucum, Epidendrum chloranthum, Epidendrum chloroleucum var. fuscoluteum, Encyclia thienii, Epidendrum viridiflava

Encyclia chapadensis

Encyclia chapadensis

Common Name: Chapada dos Viadeiros Encyclia

Native to: Brazil. Encyclia chapadensis is near extinction due to habitat destruction. It has been found near Alto Paraiso in the Brazilian state of Goias where it grows on rocks as a lithophyte.

Plant Size: Small. The pseudobulbs of Encyclia chapadensis are 3 inches (7 cm) tall and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. Each growth produces two or three thick leaves that grow 4 inches (10 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. The unbranched flower stalks can reach to 3 feet (1 m) in height and stand well above the foliage.

Flower Size: Large for the genus.

Flower Description: Encyclia chapadensis has fragrant flowers. The petals and sepals are an attractive shade of reddish-brown and the lip is rose-colored with purple veins. The flower stem is tall and produces between 7 and 15 flowers.

Bloom Season: Late Winter to Early Spring

Growing Temperature: Intermediate

Additional Information: Encyclia chapadensis grows well mounted. It is very rare and its natural habitat has been greatly reduced due to road construction. Provide bright light and good air circulation to prevent the foliage from burning. The relatively large flower size, attractive flowers, and fragrance make this a good candidate for collecting.

Synonyms: None.

Encyclia candollei

Encyclia candollei

Common Name: Candole's Encyclia

Native to: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala. Encyclia candollei grows on oak trees in mountainous forests between 500 and 1500 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Medium to large. The tightly clustered round pseudobulbs have two or three oblong, tongue-shaped leaves.

Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Flower Description: Mature pseudobulbs of Encyclia candollei produce a tall flower stem that cares between 2 and 8 flowers on a 36 inch (1 m) stem. The flowers are displayed high above the leaves and have a mild fragrance.

Bloom Season: Spring to Summer

Growing Temperature: Intermediate

Additional Information: Grow this species mounted on cork bark, tree fern, or driftwood. Cattleya orchid conditions are acceptable. Allow plants to dry between waterings and reduce water during the winter months to encourage dormancy and prevent root rot.

Synonyms: Encyclia flabellata; Encyclia laxa; Epidendrum candollei; Epidendrum cepiforme; Epidendrum flabellatum; Epidendrum laxum