How to Care for Potted Butterfly Orchids

The butterfly orchid, or Encyclia tampensis, is native to Florida, occurring frequently from the central region of the north into the Florida Keys and the Bahama Islands. Its ability to adapt to many different types of environments has made it a true survivor. At one time it was classified as threatened, but in 2002 it was delisted due to a rebounding population. The pink and white flowers with amber petals are only 1-1/2 inches in diameter but are numerous in spring and summer. They live as epiphytes in trees. Plants that produce white-lipped flowers are sometimes sold in Florida nurseries.

Pot with drainage hole
Saucer
Pebbles
Shredded bark

Instructions

- 1
  Plant your Florida native butterfly orchid in a pot with a drainage hole, using either purchased orchid bark or shredded bark of mangrove, oak or pine trees, which are this plant's favored habitats in the wild.
- 2
  Keep your butterfly orchid in an area that receives partial shade to full sun. It tends to produce more flowers when it grows in full sun.
- 3
  Water this plant frequently and provide high humidity of over 70 percent in its growing area. Place a saucer full of pebbles under the pot and keep it filled with water to increase the surrounding humidity.
- 4
  Maintain a temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit at all times to protect this orchid from harm that can result if it is exposed to low temperatures.
- 5
  Fertilize the butterfly orchid sparingly: in the wild it receives very little nutrition from the tree on which it grows. Apply just one feeding of a specially formulated orchid plant food in spring each year to promote blooming.

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