Encyclia cochleata
Encyclia cochleata is now known as
Anacheilium cochleatum. It can be found also as
Prosthechea cochleata or in the past as
Epidendrum cochleatum. It is an epiphytic orchid.
Its natural habitat is from Florida to Panama, including Caribbean islands, in deep tropical forests. It is easy to grow: it does not need a winter resting period but only regular watering and fertilizing. It blooms from May to the beginning of winter. It is well known for the shell-shaped labellum, from which the latin "cochleata" comes from. Flowers look like little octopuses to us and we nicknamed the plant "Polpetto Mario".
Bought with flowers in October 2012 from the
"Orchideria" by Pozzi in Morosolo.
Temperature:
intermediate, meaning 15-20 degC minimum at night during winter
Light:
medium-high, meaning a bright spot, but no direct sunlight. Ideal light levels are about 2000-2500 foot-candles. It should be screened off lightly in summer
Humidity:
50% is ideal. Can tolerate lower levels but 60-80% is preferable
Rest:
no
Repot:
every 3 years when vase soil is exhausted
Scent:
no from literature, but ours has a strong scent in the morning
12 July 2013
We have enjoyed Polpetto and its flowers for almost two months in the house. The last flower has fallen: Polpetto is going outside with all the other intermediate-temperature orchids. It is on the intermediate tray, second row. Meanwhile the new pseudobulb keeps growing.
24 June 2013
It looks like "Polpetto" likes being every night outside: a new pseudobulb is starting to develop. We will keep enjoying its flowers in the house during the day.
05 June 2013
Finally the last flower has opened and I can show you "Polpetto Mario" in all its beauty.
20 May 2013
Great: five blooms are developing and everything looks fine!!
02 May 2013
So happy: "Polpetto Mario" has a spike from the new pseudobulb! Let's hope we are able to make it bloom again.
24 November 2012
After more than a month, flowers are starting to perish...
16 October 2012
A new addition to the house. The first Encyclia orchid