Butterfly orchid Encyclia tampensis

Getting its common name from the butterfly-like movement of its flowers in the wind, the butterfly orchid is an evergreen, subtropical, herbaceous perennial in the orchid family (Orchidaceae). It is native to Florida and the Bahamas. The species epithet means “from Tampa [Florida].”

These plants do best when grown on a tree or fixed to a wood or cork plank. They need high humidity and flower best in part shade. When the plant is actively growing, water it 2 or 3 times a week, provide good airflow and allow it to drain quickly. Use an orchid fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks. 

It is an epiphytic orchid. In its natural environment, it can be found growing on southern live oak, bald cypress, red maple, pop ash and palm trees, with southern live oak being the most likely to host, often growing among resurrection fern (Pleopeltis michauxiana).  As its numbers are not abundant in the wild, it is listed as a regulated plant in Florida, protected by law from being harvested commercially. The small pseudobulbs (bulb-like swollen stems that support the leaves) are dark green with one or two narrow grass-like leaves that can be up to 12 inches long. There can be up to 45 flowers that emerge from the leaf axils in shades of yellow, copper, green or bronze with the lower lip being white with purple markings. They have the fragrance of honey.

This plant can be grown as a specimen houseplant or greenhouse plant that can summer outdoors in the shade of a tree or pergola.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: If conditions are too wet or air circulation is poor, they can be susceptible to root rot and fungal diseases.