Encyclia: description of the orchid and characteristics

Encyclia photo

Encyclia: photo of an orchid

The encyclia belongs to the Orchid family. This family contains more than 170 subspecies of crops. Most often, these subspecies grow in warm countries such as South America and Central America.

The encyclia orchid is characterized by its sipoidal growth, which means that the flower grows new stems in place of the old stems. The leaves of the plant have a very interesting head start, they resemble the shape of an elongated apple. The skin is very dense and smooth on one side, there are small fluffs on the other side. On the leaves, white veins are very prominent, especially the central vein.

The flowering process for the encyclia usually lasts about 6-8 weeks, it can go up to 12 weeks. Interestingly, each subspecies is distinguished by its apical peduncle. Some subspecies have large peduncles, and some subspecies have small peduncles. There are differences in the structure of the flowers of the encyclia orchid. There are small buds that consist of several small petals. There are also large buds that differ in the size of the petals. Despite the size of the buds, each subspecies is very beautiful.

Encyclia: home care

Encyclia photo

Encyclia orchid: photo

The amount of light

Before you start planting an encyclical orchid, you need to study the criteria that the planting site must meet. Illumination is a very important criterion. The duration of flowering depends on this factor, as well as the quality and quantity of the formed buds on the plant. The Encyclia refers to a type of plant that is very fond of light and needs it. A very bright light is needed for the flower to develop well. Diffused light is commonly used, as direct light can adversely affect some subspecies of the plant.

Note: I would like to note that despite the fact that the Encyclia needs bright lighting, when the sun is scorching, the plant must be covered or rearranged in order to protect it from the rays. It is these rays that burn the plant and leave burns on it. After burns, the encyclia takes a very long time to recover, so in order to avoid this, you need to monitor the lighting.

Experts recommend placing the encyclical orchid in the southern part of the house. When wintertime arrives, additional lighting will need to be provided, as the Encyclia's daylight will not be sufficient. Usually, lamps that are specially designed for plants are used for additional lighting.

Temperature

The second important criterion is temperature. In order for the plant to grow in comfortable conditions, it is necessary to provide a moderate temperature. Interestingly, the Encyclia needs temperature changes. This means that during the day the temperature should be around 20 degrees, and during the night the temperature drops to 15 degrees. Usually the difference between temperatures is about 4-5 degrees.

If the weather is fine outside, and there is no scorching sun, you can take the Encyclia out into the fresh air. This is usually done in the spring, fall and summer. In bad weather, when there is strong wind or rain, the plant is best left at home so as not to damage it.

The soil

Encyclia should be grown in a container that is large enough not to compress its root system. Before planting the encyclia, the soil is well fertilized to provide a sufficient amount of beneficial trace elements for the plant. Usually, wood ash, complex fertilizers in small quantities are used.

Watering

Taking proper care of your plant is one of the most important steps in growing any plant. Watering is the most important criterion for maintaining the Encyclia. This flower must be watered very often, while using a sufficient amount of water. Watering should be carried out throughout the year. The amount of watering depends on the humidity in the house, usually gardeners look at the soil and as soon as they notice a slight drying out, they immediately water the soil. A short drought will not harm the plant in any way, since the encyclia orchid can retain moisture in itself for a short time. But a prolonged drought can lead to the death of the plant, therefore, monitoring the condition of the soil is very important for the well-being of the plant.

Interestingly, the encyclia orchid must be watered in an unusual way. It is necessary to immerse the container in which the plant is located for some time in water. It usually takes about 25 minutes for the soil to be well saturated. In this case, watering should be carried out only with warm water, about 34 degrees. After 25 minutes, remove the pot or other container and wait a little until excess moisture drains. After all, the plant is installed in its original place.

Air humidity

Air humidity should be normal, about 60%. If you need to increase the level of moisture in the air, then you can use a small amount of expanded clay, which is placed in a plant tray and watered with water. Very often they use special humidifiers for plants.

Top dressing

Fertilizing is very important, since without nutrients the encyclia orchid cannot function normally. That is why feeding is carried out every 14 days. Usually, complex fertilizers are used, in which all the necessary substances for the plant are mixed.

Transfer

The encyclia does not need transplants, so no transplant is carried out. The only reason that can lead to a transplant is the growth of the root system. But in order not to do this, it is best to plant the plant in a larger pot than its root system.

What is a dormant period?

This period comes suddenly, it is accompanied by a complete absence of encyclia flowering for 9-11 months. In order to bring the plant out of this state, it is necessary to arrange a stressful situation. Most often, gardeners stop watering the plant, and then stress begins and the process of growth and flowering resumes.

Encyclia: reproduction of an orchid at home

Orchid Encyclia: care and reproduction at homeThe encyclia can be multiplied by division. For this, the root system of the flower is divided into 3 equal parts and planted in different pots. Such parts must be very carefully looked after so that the root system grows faster to full size.

Also, the reproduction of the encyclia is carried out using seeds, but only this method is used quite rarely, since flower seeds develop for a very long time.

Diseases

The encyclia orchid has a high level of immunity, so it rarely gets sick, but it is worth noting that a spider mite can settle on this plant. To cure the plant, it is necessary to rinse the flower with warm water, it is advisable to do this with a strong pressure to wash off the pest, and then process the bush of Bordeaux liquid in a small concentration.

Note: If the gardener takes proper care of the plant, then pests will not settle on it, and it will not get sick.

Varieties

There are 3 types of encyclies, which are the most popular, due to their beauty and ease of care.

The first type of the Encyclia is called glandular, she is the most beautiful member of this family. The buds of the plant are of medium diameter, about 6 centimeters. The leaf is very long, from 42 to 55 centimeters, while the length of the peduncle reaches 120 centimeters.Flowers are distinguished by their pleasant aroma, which is very similar to the smell of peach or nectarine. Usually the color of the buds is lilac or pink, sometimes purple flowers are found. The petals of the buds are elongated and narrow, and also curl slightly closer to the edge.

Orchid Encyclia: photo

The next type of encyclia has a name winged. This representative is famous for a very pronounced odor, as well as for undemanding care. This variety is quite large, about 170 centimeters high and 70 centimeters wide. The average size of the peduncles is 160 centimeters. The leaf is shaped like an egg, which tapers slightly to one side. A large number of small spots can be seen on one side of the leaf - this is also a distinctive feature of this subspecies. The color of the buds can be different, white, pink or burgundy are common in this subspecies.