Discover the stunning beauty of Encyclia howardii, a captivating species from the Orchidaceae family, endemic to the mountainous regions of northeastern Cuba. This exquisite epiphytic orchid reaches up to 80 cm in height, showcasing elegant pseudobulbs that support its lush foliage.
Encyclia howardii is an epiphytic orchid that can grow up to 80 cm tall, characterized by its robust pseudobulbs. The plant features 1-2 leathery, linear leaves with obtuse tips, each measuring 35-40 cm in length and 1.5-2.5 cm in width. Its inflorescence is a terminal panicle that can reach up to 80 cm long, showcasing 10-30 striking flowers.
Blooming from April to July, the flowers are vibrant and eye-catching, with a rich dark pink labellum, warm mustard-colored tepals and lateral sepals, and a central lobe that is fully folded. The larger lateral lobes are reflexed, adding to the flower's intricate beauty.
Exclusively native to Cuba, Encyclia howardii thrives in the mountainous areas of the country’s northeastern region, particularly in Oriente state, where it is found in serpentine thickets at elevations of 200 to 900 meters.
Encyclia howardii is a medium-sized, hot to warm-growing epiphyte that exhibits a striking color gradient in its pseudobulbs—green below, transitioning to a brownish-purple when exposed to sunlight. The tightly clustered, ovoid to fusiform pseudobulbs are slightly compressed and taper towards the apex. Each pseudobulb supports 1 to 2 apical, suberect, thick, coriaceous, linear-ligulate leaves that are somewhat tapering and obtuse.
The orchid blooms from mid-spring through late summer on a terminal, erect, brown-purple, stout peduncle, measuring 46 to 70 cm in length, with triangular-cucullate, acute purple bracts at the nodes. The inflorescence is laxly paniculate, with 3 to 7 branches, each up to 83 cm long, making the overall length of the inflorescence up to 1.5 meters. The many tricolored flowers, arranged loosely, emit a unique soapy fragrance.
Cultivation Tips: To successfully grow Encyclia howardii, follow these guidelines to mimic its natural habitat:
- Light: Provide bright, indirect sunlight. An east or west-facing window is ideal. Avoid direct midday sun to prevent leaf burn.
- Temperature: Maintain daytime temperatures between 20-28°C (68-82°F) and nighttime temperatures around 15-18°C (59-64°F). Encyclia howardii appreciates a slight temperature drop at night.
- Humidity: Keep humidity levels around 60-70%. Use a humidity tray or a humidifier if necessary, especially in drier climates.
- Watering: Water regularly during the growing season (spring and summer), allowing the medium to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows.
- Air Circulation: Ensure good air movement around the plant to prevent fungal diseases and encourage healthy growth.
- Potting Medium: Use a well-draining orchid mix, such as one containing bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss. Encyclia howardii thrives when mounted or potted in a medium that allows its roots to breathe.
- Fertilization: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble orchid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) diluted to half strength every two weeks during the growing season. Reduce fertilization in the dormant period.
- Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years or when the potting medium breaks down. The best time to repot is after the blooming period, typically in late summer.
- Pest Management: Monitor for common orchid pests such as mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. Treat infestations promptly with appropriate organic or chemical controls.
Bring a touch of Cuban elegance to your collection with Encyclia howardii. Its vibrant flowers and graceful form make it a standout addition to any orchid enthusiast’s repertoire.