Encyclia cordigera

Aregidroc Orchid

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Clade: Tracheophytes
• Clade: Angiosperms
• Clade: Monocots
• Order: Asparagales
• Family: Orchidaceae
• Subfamily: Epidendroideae
• Tribe: Laeliinae
• Genus: Encyclia
• Species: Encyclia cordigera

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Common Names by Region

• English: Aregidroc Orchid, Heart-Shaped Encyclia
• Spanish: Orquídea Cordigera
• Portuguese: Orquídea Coração
• Mayan: Nikte’

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Description

Growth Habit

• Epiphytic or lithophytic orchid, growing on trees or rocks.
• Produces elongated pseudobulbs, each supporting a pair of leaves.

Size

• Pseudobulbs: 5–10 cm (2–4 in) long.
• Leaves: 15–25 cm (6–10 in) long.
• Flowering stem: Up to 60 cm (24 in) tall.

Leaves

• Long, narrow, and leathery.
• Slightly curved, deep green in color.

Flowers

• Large, fragrant flowers with a diameter of 5–7 cm (2–3 in).
• Petals and sepals are typically brownish-purple to greenish-brown.
• Lip (labellum) is broad, white or pink, with deep purple veining.
• Sweet vanilla-like fragrance, strongest during the daytime.

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Known Range

Native Range

• Found throughout Central and South America.
• Common in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil.

Cultivated Range

• Widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
• Commonly cultivated in greenhouses and private collections.

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Care Requirements

Light

• Prefers bright, indirect light (2,000–3,500 foot-candles).
• Can tolerate some direct sunlight but requires shade during peak hours.

Watering

• Requires moderate watering during the growing season.
• Prefers a drying period between watering; reduce watering during winter.

Soil

• Grows best in well-draining orchid bark mix, sphagnum moss, or mounted on wood.
• Prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.0).

Humidity

• Thrives in 50–80% humidity.
• Benefits from daily misting or humidifiers in drier environments.

Temperature

• Optimal range: 18–30°C (65–86°F).
• Can tolerate brief drops to 10°C (50°F) but should be protected from prolonged cold.

Propagation

• Propagated by division of pseudobulbs.
• Best divided after flowering when new growth begins.

Common Pests/Diseases

• Susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites.
• Fungal and bacterial rot can occur in overly wet conditions.

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Additional Notes

Special Features

• Highly fragrant flowers, making it a favorite in collections.
• Long-lasting blooms (up to 6 weeks) from spring to summer.

Maintenance Level

• Moderate; requires careful attention to watering and humidity.