Habitat:
Encyclia guatemalensis is native to southern Mexico (Chiapas) through Guatemala and Honduras. It grows as an epiphyte in pine-oak and evergreen forests, most often at elevations of 1200 to 2000 metres. The species favours open, airy habitats on tree trunks and larger branches where it receives bright light or partial sun. It thrives in regions with a distinct dry season, where it is exposed to seasonal fluctuations in moisture and temperature.
Description:
Encyclia guatemalensis is a medium-sized epiphytic orchid that forms clumps of spindle-shaped pseudobulbs, 8–12 cm long, spaced along a short rhizome. Each pseudobulb bears two or three narrow, leathery, linear to lanceolate leaves, 20–30 cm long and 1–2.5 cm wide. The inflorescence is erect to arching, up to 50 cm long, and bears many small to medium-sized flowers. Flowers are approximately 2.5–3 cm across, with yellow-green to olive-green sepals and petals, and a white lip prominently marked with purple or reddish veins, especially on the midlobe. The lip is three-lobed, with smaller side lobes and a broader, sometimes reflexed midlobe. It may be confused with Encyclia alata, but E. guatemalensis has narrower leaves and smaller, more numerous flowers.
Cultivation:
Encyclia guatemalensis prefers bright filtered light to light shade and intermediate to warm temperatures. Daytime temperatures should range from 20–28°C, with nighttime temperatures between 12–16°C. Humidity should be maintained at 60–80% with good air movement. Grow mounted on cork or tree fern, or in baskets or small pots filled with coarse bark or a bark-charcoal mix to ensure excellent drainage. Water generously during the growing season, reducing watering in winter or during the dry season. The ideal substrate pH is slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0). Fertilize every 2–4 weeks with a dilute balanced orchid fertilizer during active growth.
Specifications:
Plant Size: Flowering sized with 3-5 adult pseudobulbs
Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Passport: Encyclia guatemalensis B 140084 C 14860 D GB
