Encyclia howardii

Also known as: Howard's Encyclia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Cuba

General Information

Howard's Encyclia is a medium sized warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Cuba. It is named after the American Plant Taxomonist mid in the 1900's.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous erect leaves that grow to 2.5-40cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2-7cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Care Notes

These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 18mm to 170mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 71% to 77%, highest in October and lowest in July. Temperature ranges from 16C to 29C, highest in July (20C to 29C) and lowest in January (16C to 24C).

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.