Butterfly orchid Encyclia tampensis

Getting its common name from the butterfly-like movement of its flowers in the wind, Butterfly Orchid is an evergreen plant in the orchid family, and it is native to Florida, Cuba and the Bahamas. It is an epiphytic orchid, meaning that it grows on another plant, similar to an air plant.  It can be found on various trees and generally along waterways, swamps and forests. The small pseudobulbs (pod-like structures) 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 fragrant flowers that emerge from the leaf axils in shades of yellow, copper, green or bronze with the lower lip being white with purple markings.

These plants do best when grown on a tree or fixed to a wood or cork plank. In its natural environment, it can be found growing on southern live oak, bald cypress, red maple, pop ash, pine and palm trees, with southern live oak being the most likely to host.  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.  They need high humidity and flower best in part shade. When actively growing, water it 2-3 times a week, provide good airflow and allow them to drain quickly. Use a weak fertilizer every 2-4 weeks. They are not hardy in zones 7 and lower.

Pollination is done by bees that are attracted to the labellum i.e. lip that serves as a landing pad as the bee collects the pollen.  As the bees pollinate the flowers, typically for a few hours per day from noon into the afternoon, a sweet odor is emitted.  

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.