A grower brings home a mystery plant tagged only “Encyclia” from a show table. It has round, egg shaped pseudobulbs and one leathery leaf on top. Months later it throws a spike of waxy, long lasting flowers.
Only then does the real question start. Is this actually an encyclia orchid, or one of the many look alikes sold under that name?
That confusion is common, because several famous “Encyclia” orchids were reclassified decades ago. The genus name still gets used loosely by vendors and even some growers. This guide sorts out what a true member of the genus is.
It also covers the popular look alikes. Care advice for both groups follows, so a reader can act on either name.
What Is an Encyclia Orchid?
Encyclia is a New World genus found from Mexico south through Brazil. Many species are centered in the Caribbean. Most species in this genus grow round or spindle shaped pseudobulbs topped by one or two stiff leaves.
Flower spikes rise from the top of a mature pseudobulb. They often carry several fragrant blooms at once. Each pseudobulb usually flowers only that one time.
Encyclia was split from the older, broader genus Epidendrum in the 1800s. Many species still get sold under the old Epidendrum label, especially in general nurseries. Our guide to Epidendrum orchid care covers that related genus in more depth.
The Famous Names That Are Not Actually Encyclia
This is where most confusion starts, and it is worth clearing up before buying a plant. Several of the best known “Encyclia” species were moved into other genera years ago. Nurseries and older books have not caught up.
| Common name | Correct genus today | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clamshell orchid | Prosthechea cochleata | Lip sits on top, not the bottom, of the flower |
| Black orchid of Belize | Prosthechea cochleata | Long called the national flower under the old Encyclia name |
| Cowhorn orchid | Cyrtopodium punctatum | Also called cigar orchid, a large Florida native |
| Octopus orchid | Prosthechea cochleata | Refers to the twisting, tentacle like petals |
| Encyclia cordigera | Encyclia | A true species in the genus, heavily fragrant |
| Encyclia radiata | Encyclia | A true species in the genus, smaller growing and fragrant |
The clamshell orchid, also called the octopus orchid, gets its name from an unusual flower shape. Its lip sits above the petals instead of below them. It carried the Belize black orchid title for generations, back when botanists still placed it in Encyclia.
The cowhorn orchid, also known as the cigar orchid, is a completely different plant. It belongs to Cyrtopodium, a genus with tall pseudobulbs and large branching spikes. It goes dormant from roughly November through March and needs strong sun and daily water only during active growth.
Encyclia cordigera and Encyclia radiata are true members of the genus. Both are known for strong, sweet fragrance that carries across a room. A tag may simply say “Encyclia” with a species name attached.
It is worth checking that species against current records. The old genus name does not guarantee the same care needs.
Encyclia Orchid Care
An encyclia orchid generally wants Cattleya level light and a dry period between waterings. Most species tolerate more sun than a Phalaenopsis and less water than a Paphiopedilum. Getting light and watering right solves most growth problems in this group.
Light
Bright, filtered light suits most species in this genus, similar to Cattleya requirements. American Orchid Society guidance lists roughly 3,000 foot candles as a workable maximum for Cattleya type light needs. A grower without a light meter can watch the leaves instead.
Yellow green, slightly warm colored leaves usually mean light is adequate. Dark green, floppy leaves usually mean the plant needs a brighter spot. Our Cattleya orchid care guide covers that same light range, since the two genera share similar needs.
Watering
These orchids like their roots to dry out between waterings, not stay damp. Growing in a container that holds extra air around the roots helps a lot. Many growers mount plants on cork or wood, or pot them loosely in a basket, to avoid soggy roots.
Our guide to mounting an orchid walks through the process step by step. For growers who prefer a pot, open slat orchid baskets give roots the same airflow a mount provides. Either setup fits this genus better than a tightly packed pot of bark.
Water quality matters too. Rainwater runs about 10 to 25 parts per million of dissolved solids, which is very soft. Roughly 90 percent of US homes have hard water by comparison.
Tap water can leave mineral buildup on leaves and roots over time. Filtered or rain water avoids that buildup on a mounted plant. Mounts hold no medium to buffer mineral rich water.
Seasonal Rest
Many species in this genus slow down in fall and winter as growth matures. Water less often during this rest, letting the medium dry more fully between waterings. Resume regular watering once new growth and roots appear in spring.
Blooming Habits
Most encyclia orchid species bloom in spring or summer, with flowers that last for weeks. Spikes emerge from the top of a newly matured pseudobulb, not from the base. A plant that has not bloomed in over a year may just need a mature pseudobulb first.
The routine may not be the real problem. A pseudobulb that has not finished a full growth cycle rarely spikes yet.
Florida’s Native Encyclia
Florida has its own wild member of the genus, Encyclia tampensis, commonly called the butterfly orchid. It grows on trees in hammocks across the central and southern part of the state. Wild plants typically bloom from May through August with fragrant flowers about 1.5 inches wide.
A single Encyclia tampensis plant can carry up to 45 flowers on one branching spike in a good year. It is protected in the wild in Florida, so plants should only come from licensed growers. Our guide to Florida native orchids covers this species alongside the state’s other wild orchids.
Buying an Encyclia Orchid
Ask exactly which species is on the tag, not just the genus name. A seller who says only “Encyclia” may be selling a Prosthechea or Cyrtopodium under the old name. Checking the species name against current references avoids buying the wrong care routine along with the plant.
Look at the roots and pseudobulbs before buying, whether the plant is mounted or in a basket. Firm, plump pseudobulbs and light colored, active roots are good signs. Shriveled bulbs usually mean the plant has been kept too dry or too wet for too long.
Anyone curious how this genus compares to other shapes can check our overview of types of orchids. It places Encyclia alongside the other genera most home growers encounter.
Sources
- American Orchid Society: Principles of Light. https://www.aos.org/orchid-care/principles-of-light
- American Orchid Society: Water Your Orchids. https://www.aos.org/orchids/articles/water-your-orchids
- American Orchid Society: Encyclia cordigera. https://www.aos.org/explore-orchids/encyclia-cordigera
- American Orchid Society: Encyclia lancifolia, now Prosthechea cochleata var. cochleata (orchid question and answer). https://www.aos.org/orchids/orchid-basics/orchid-question-and-answer/encyclia-lancifolia-now-prosthechea-cochleata-var.-cochleata
- NC State Extension: Encyclia tampensis plant profile. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/encyclia-tampensis/common-name/butterfly-orchid/
Frequently asked questions
Is Encyclia the same as Epidendrum?
No. Encyclia was split off from the larger genus Epidendrum in the 1800s. Many nurseries still label Encyclia plants as Epidendrum out of habit.
Is the clamshell orchid an Encyclia?
Not anymore. The clamshell orchid was moved into the genus Prosthechea, so its correct name is Prosthechea cochleata.
What is Belize's black orchid?
Belize's national black orchid is the clamshell flower, now classified as Prosthechea cochleata. It was long listed under the old genus name Encyclia.
Do encyclia orchids need Cattleya light?
Yes, most species want bright, filtered light close to Cattleya levels. Leaves that turn dark green and floppy usually signal too little light.
How often do encyclia orchids bloom?
Most species bloom once a year, in spring or summer, from a newly matured pseudobulb. A plant that skips a year often just needs that pseudobulb to finish growing first.