Encyclia parviflora

Also known as: Small or Encyclia alata h.v. rossii Encyclia alata h.f. alba Epidendrum formosum Encyclia alata ssp. parviflora Epidendrum alatum var. grandiflorum Encyclia alata ssp. alata Epidendrum calocheilum Epidendrum alatum var. viridiflorum Encyclia alata h.v. majus Epidendrum alatum var. longipetalum Epidendrum belizense Epidendrum alatum var. parviflorum Encyclia alata Epidendrum alatum Encyclia belizensis ssp. parviflora Encyclia belizensis ssp. belizensis Encyclia belizensis Epidendrum jeansonnei Encyclia dickensonianum Encyclia alata ssp. virella Encyclia elata in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Nicaragua Oaxaca - Mexico Puebla - Mexico Tamaulipas - Mexico Veracruz - Mexico

General Information

Small is a medium to large sized sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic or terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Nicaragua and Mexico.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 45cm. Each new growth has numerous elliptic lance shaped leaves that grow to 0.8-38cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2-7cm. The plant forms clusters over time

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Perlite
• Sand

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 to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 38mm to 508mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 82% to 90%, highest in January and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 16C to 28C, highest in May (20C to 28C) and lowest in January (16C to 21C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

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.

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 high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.