Encyclia polybulbon

Indigenous to Mexico, Central America, Jamaica, and Cuba, this remarkable orchid is celebrated for its easy cultivation, resilience, and spectacular floral displays. Growing naturally in humid forests at elevations between 600 and 3200 meters, it thrives both as an epiphyte on oak trees and as a lithophyte on rocky surfaces.

Encyclia polybulbon is a miniature to mini-miniature sized orchid develops tightly clustered, yellow-green, ovoid to narrowly ovoid pseudobulbs, each topped with one to three elliptic-lanceolate leaves. Over time, it steadily forms impressive, sprawling mats of dense foliage and blooms.

Once established, a mature specimen can produce 30 or more growths and thousands of sprays of foliage and flowers, creating a breathtaking spectacle. It grows fairly rapidly and, with space and time, can reach a stunning size within a decade.

In bloom from fall to early spring, it produces charming flowers in rich tones of mahogany, yellow, and white. Though compact, the blooms are large relative to the plant’s size and exude a delightful fragrance, described as sandalwood to clove-scented — a treat for the senses!

Encyclia polybulbon Cultivation Tips

Light:
Prefers partial shade to dappled light; avoid harsh, direct midday sun. A low to medium light level encourages healthy growth and flowering.

Temperature:
An adaptable species, it tolerates a wide range from warm to cool conditions, but thrives best in intermediate environments (60–80°F / 16–27°C).

Humidity:
Loves high humidity (60–80%). Regular misting and good airflow are key to preventing fungal issues while maintaining the moist environment it craves.

Watering:
Keep consistently moist but not soggy during active growth. Reduce watering slightly in the winter when temperatures cool and growth slows.

Mounting:
Best mounted on cork slabs or hardwood, where its roots can ramble naturally. It's common for this plant to grow beyond its mount, producing attractive trailing mats.

This is a blooming size orchid newly repotted in a 2" pot, about 1 to 2 years to bloom, grown from seed, limited!

Why Grow This Orchid?

Encyclia polybulbon Fast-growing, easy to care for, and dazzling when in full bloom, this species is perfect for orchid enthusiasts who appreciate vigorous, rewarding plants. Its petite size, delightful fragrance, and ability to form spectacular displays make it a treasure for any collection — whether you're a novice or a seasoned grower.

Give it time, and it will reward you with a breathtaking cascade of foliage and blooms that few other miniatures can match!