Tampa butterfly orchid (Encyclia tampensis) is an epiphyte perennial commonly found growing on live oaks, bald cypress, and mangroves. Tiny, showy orchid blossoms appear from late spring to summer, emitting a honey-like fragrance that attracts bees. Its common name comes from its flower’s resemblance to a butterfly and its prevalence in the Tampa area of Florida in the United States.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Encyclia tampensis (Encyclia from Greek – enkykleoma “to encircle” and tampensis – “Tampa”) or Tampa butterfly orchid is a species of flowering plant in the orchid family, subfamily Epidendroideae. It has been placed in the Encyclia sect. Hymenochila.
This species was first described by John Torrey in 1847. Native to Florida and the Bahamas, and another variety in Cuba, E. tampensis is an epiphyte most commonly found growing on southern live oaks but also on pond apples, mangroves, Bald Cypress, pines and palms in tropical hardwood hammocks and along rivers. Vouchered specimens have been cataloged by USF as far north as Levy and Putnam Counties. They are also found in the salty Florida Keys.
Encyclia tampensis has dark green 7 cm pseudobulbs with narrow foliage up to 16 cm in length and 2 cm in width. Mature plants produce a branched inflorescence in Summer containing several flowers with green to bronze sepals and petals surrounding a white lip with a purple dot. Flowers are alternate, 2.5 cm in diameter and fragrant. They are also called butterfly orchids because of how they sometimes appear in a breeze.
There are some variations in color and markings that exist such as Cuba’s Encyclia tampensis var. amesiana and the “alba” or white variety.
The diploid chromosome number of E. tampensis has been determined as 2n = 40; the haploid chromosome number as n = 20.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Tampa butterfly orchid likes full sun. plant it in a place with plenty of light, but not direct sunlight. Provide more than 6 hours of sunlight per day. Remember that insufficient light results in poor quality and may lead to reduced or no blooms.
Temperature
Orchid plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions, preferring warm, moist conditions. Optimum growth temperatures are between 18 to 28 ℃, and it’s best if there is a certain difference in temperature between day and night: for example, 20 to 25 ℃ during the day and 15 to 18 ℃ at night. Tampa butterfly orchid is a drought-tolerant plant, but cannot tolerate waterlogging, and grows well at 50-70% humidity. If the leaf tips are withered, it means the environment is too dry. Use a humidifier or spray bottle to increase the air humidity.
Watering
While Tampa butterfly orchid likes adequate moisture, they can tolerate some drought. During the growing season in summer, it is best to water once per week; in fall and winter, reduce to once per 10 days to keep the substrate moist. Keep the air moist by misting, especially when the weather is dry. It prefers water with a neutral pH. Neutralize tap- or rainwater by storing it for a period of time before watering. This can release dissolved CO2 and other substances in the water.
Soil
The “soil” required for tampa butterfly orchid is special because, as an epiphyte, it originally grew on big trees in tropical forests. You need to mimic this growing environment with, for example, water moss, wood chips, coconut shells, volcanic stones, or perlite as soil substrate. You can also buy orchid-specific soil directly from gardening stores.
Fertilizing
Tampa butterfly orchid does not need much fertilizer. To promote growth, apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (N-P-K = 30-10-10) every 10 days or so after sprouting in spring. At the beginning of summer, switch to a balanced fertilizer (N-P-K = 20-20-20). The application of a phosphorus-rich fertilizer can promote blooming in fall.
Planting Instructions
You do not need a large pot to grow an tampa butterfly orchid as it won’t produce a vigorous root system that occupies much space. If the pot is too large, the soil tends to collect water and cause root rot. The height of the pot should be 2.5 cm taller than the (pseudo)bulb of the tampa butterfly orchid. You can easily buy tampa butterfly orchid in a local gardening store and simply place it in breathable, well-drained substrate. After planting, use upright sticks to support flowering branches. In warm, humid climates, cover the root of tampa butterfly orchid with sphagnum moss and attach them to a tree with strings.
Pruning
It is best to prune wilted tampa butterfly orchid flowers promptly after blooming to reduce unnecessary nutrient consumption and promote more blooms. Trim withered and diseased leaves promptly to increase air circulation, thus reducing pests and diseases.
Propagation
You can propagate Tampa butterfly orchid by division or by cuttings.
- Propagation by division
Using a tampa butterfly orchid with more stems is a better option for the division. You should do this after blooming. When dividing the plant, dig it up carefully with its roots intact, and cut the roots into several clusters from the base. Remember to use clean tools and disinfect the wounds with a fungicide. Then plant your divided clusters in containers and keep them in a cool place. While the new roots are growing, spray them with plenty of water to prevent them from drying out.
- Propagate by cuttings before flowering
Choose a healthy, thick stem, remove the leaves, and cut it into small 2-node pieces. Insert the bottom directly into the substrate. Keep the substrate moist, and they will root and sprout in about 2-3 months. You can also propagate by cuttings by laying the entire stem on top of moist substrate, and cutting it into pieces after it roots and sprouts. Transplant those rooted cuttings into pots for further growth. A third way to propagate by cutting is possible during weather with high temperatures, when the stems develop roots, and you can cut them off and plant them.
Transplanting
The optimal season to transplant tampa butterfly orchid is between late spring to early summer (S5-S7). This timing helps the plant to establish and thrive due to ample warmth and sunlight. Choose a location with good drainage, partial shade, and, if necessary, consider attaching tampa butterfly orchid to a tree for best growth. Remember, gentle handling is crucial during transplantation.
III. Harvesting and Storage
If you want to display Tampa butterfly orchid flowers in vases, harvest there are only 2-3 flowers blooming on the stem. Cut diagonally at the bottom of the flower stem, and place it in a vase immediately. You can enjoy the cut flower in clean water for about 14 days, or for a longer time with preservatives.
