encyclia cochleata – cockleshell orchid

the genus encyclia contains more than 200 species. the easy to grow encyclia cochleata is commonly known as cockleshell orchid.

care

lighting

encyclia cochleata does best in bright light with some morning and/or evening sun. a light shaded place will be tolerated.

temperature

room temperature the year round is welcome, with a winter minium of 14 °c/57 °f.

soil/repotting

the cockleshell orchid needs a special orchid mix (with fir bark and peat moss) and can’t be grown in a standard potting soil. after 2-3 years, when the soil gets acid it’s time to repott.

watering

drench the soil well. to avoid rotten roots, water flowing out of the pot must be removed after a few minutes. before watering next let it dry somewhat.

fertilizer

if the orchid is actively growing or flowering a half diluted orchid fertilizer can be given monthly.

humidity

to increase humidity, the cockleshell orchid can be sprayed over with water in the morning. thereby the water can evaporate throughout the day. this extra humidity can help to tolerate if the soil gets a bit drier from time to time.

reblooming encyclia cochleata

the bloom spike can be cutted after it has dried, it will not flower again. after blooming encyclia cochleata is producing new shoots. eight to twelfe months later, when pseudobulb and leaf growth are finished, the orchid is ready for blooming again.