We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Encyclia?

By L. Baran
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,734
Share

The encyclia is a type of orchid named for the flowering lips that encircle the central stem of the plant. The name originates from the Greek term enkykleomai, meaning "to encircle." This type of plant is native to the West Indies, Central America, Venezuela, Florida and Columbia. It can produce striking flowers from lemon yellow to blood red.

These orchids typically have two elongated leaves, which surround round pseudobulbs. The function of the pseudobulb, located on the stem, is to store important nutrients for the plant. Flowers protrude from the pseudobulbs, and they can have a wide array of colors depending on the specific type of encyclia. The encyclia tampensis or butterfly orchid, for example, features a purple stripe on a muted yellow or green flower.

Encyclias are known as epiphytic orchids. This means that they use a host, such as a tree or other plant, to grow on. They do not, however, take any nutrients from that host or affect its growth. These orchids still obtain their nutrients from the rain, soil and surrounding air, but they find these elements in the immediate area on or around their chosen environment. Other possible host locations include ferns, bark and driftwood.

This type of orchid flourishes in a wide range of conditions. It prefers temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 29 degrees Celsius), but is known to withstand colder temperatures in environments at altitude. Encyclia require moist, efficiently draining soil to flourish, and significant watering in the first year after planting. In subsequent seasons, regular watering during hot conditions is needed. The optimum placement for the orchid is in a full-sun location, although partial sun should also be sufficient.

Pollination of the encyclia occurs via bees and many different types of birds. There is debate over the number of species in this orchid genus, but it is typically accepted that there are at least 170 different species. Many orchid collectors enjoy creating novel hybrids with encyclia orchids and other types of plants. Rare species can be worth a lot of money.

One of the reasons the encyclia is so popular among gardeners is its versatility. This plant thrives in flower beds, hanging baskets and pots. Any pot or basket must be adequately drained to prevent the plant's roots from becoming overly moist. Unlike many plants, this orchid tolerates repotting well and can be moved when necessary.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-encyclia.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.