Troubleshooting
Winged Encyclia problems — and how to fix them
Winged Encyclia (Encyclia alata) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Failure to bloom
Almost always caused by skipping the winter dry rest or insufficient light. Implement both a dry and cool rest from late autumn through early spring.
Root rot
Caused by a medium that holds moisture too long. Mount on cork or use a very free-draining bark in a terracotta pot.
Scale insects
Check the smooth pseudobulbs regularly. Treat with rubbing alcohol and horticultural oil as needed.
Aphids on flower spikes
Cluster around emerging flower buds. Wash off with water or apply insecticidal soap immediately to protect the spike.
Shrivelled pseudobulbs in winter
Minor pseudobulb shrivelling during the dry rest is normal and expected. Resume watering in late winter and plump pseudobulbs should follow.
Prevent winged encyclia problems before they start
Most winged encyclia issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Winged Encyclia problems — FAQ
Why is my winged encyclia failure to bloom?
Almost always caused by skipping the winter dry rest or insufficient light. Implement both a dry and cool rest from late autumn through early spring.
Why is my winged encyclia root rot?
Caused by a medium that holds moisture too long. Mount on cork or use a very free-draining bark in a terracotta pot.
Why is my winged encyclia scale insects?
Check the smooth pseudobulbs regularly. Treat with rubbing alcohol and horticultural oil as needed.
Why is my winged encyclia aphids on flower spikes?
Cluster around emerging flower buds. Wash off with water or apply insecticidal soap immediately to protect the spike.
Why is my winged encyclia shrivelled pseudobulbs in winter?
Minor pseudobulb shrivelling during the dry rest is normal and expected. Resume watering in late winter and plump pseudobulbs should follow.