Encyclia osmantha

Also known as: The Fragrant Encyclia or Epidendrum osmanthum h.f. album Epidendrum watsonianum Encyclia cardimii Epidendrum osmanthum Encyclia lutzenbergeri var. major Encyclia lutzenbergerii h.v. major Encyclia lutzenbergeri Capart's Scented Encyclia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Fragrant Encyclia is a small sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 58cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery rigid, tongue shaped leaves that grow to 46cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 8-13cm

Flowers

Numerous long lasting, fragrant blossoms appear during Summer, Autumn and Spring

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Blooming Season

• Autumn
• Spring
• Summer

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark

Care Notes

These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.

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.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 18mm to 323mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in January. Temperature ranges from 11C to 28C, highest in August (18C to 28C) and lowest in January (11C to 23C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

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 year round. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a low Nitrogen fertiliser year round. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser year round. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,