Encyclia Phoenicia with spike and buds

[123orchids]

My Encyclia Phoenicia is now in spike from the beginning of November 2011 but now the buds are getting some color, I think they will open soon. Can't wait.

[Meg25]

Excicting! I love encyclias-is this a primary cross?

[123orchids]

Here is a little description: The decorative appearance of the flowers of this beautiful orchid is complimented by their intoxication chocolate fragrance'ergo,in some countries it bears the nick name of ''the chocolate doll'' . The species is also attractive for its relatively collection-friendly dimentions and its resistance to drougt and cultivation blunders. E. phoenicea has concially narrowed pseudobulbs (in contrast to a similar orchid,E. atropurpurea),each bearing a couple of narrow ,tough leaves. The sparse inflorescence on a stiff ,wiry spike consists of 5-20 large flowers whose colors vary a great deal . Their lips are white with red venation ,the color of the tepals oscillates between green and deep purple . The flowers last for up to six weeks . E. phoenicea is an epiphyte with above average light demands. This orchid has one disadvantage regarding its cultivation :its clusters are slow to proliferate and impossible to propagate -which is why they are relatively rare in collections today . It blooms in late summer and in the fall and comes from Mexico , Cuba and other islands in the Caribbean .

[orchidsal]

I am sure you won't be disappointed when these blooms open. Though I have not grown this orchid myself, I have researched it and as your description/cultural information says it seems to be a wonderful Encyclia. The photos of the flowers I've seen are beautiful. AL

[panam]

Ooh! It does look like it's getting close. I can't wait to see the flowers, and just wish I could smell them!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Looking good, Gabriela! You will have some beautiful orchid blooms before long!!

cheers,
BD

[123orchids]

thanks everybody,i will post as soon as they open.