Orchid 'Encyclia garciana' starter

Humid cloud forests are the natural habitat of Encyclia garciana. Its relatively small pseudobulbs produce 1 or 2 leaves, each of which is roughly 10 centimetres long. When the plant blooms in autumn, it produces a single flower stem from a pseudobulb that grows to a length of roughly 5 centimetres. The flowers are some 3 centimetres in diameter, white with rose coloured speckles or spots and a greenish lip.

This orchid does well as a house plant at room temperature. Its potting compound should be allowed to dry out somewhat before it receives more water. In winter, dry spells in between watering can be longer than at other times of year. Encyclia garciana needs large amounts of indirect sunlight for it to release its distinctive fragrance as it flowers. It can be fed every two weeks using half-strength orchid fertiliser. It is best cultivated in medium bark mixed with moss and perlite.