Prosthechea cochleata (Cockleshell Orchid)

Prosthechea cochleata (Cockleshell Orchid) is a medium-sized epiphytic orchid species with long-lasting, ribbon-like flowers that resemble small octopuses. The flowers, up to 3 in. long (8 cm), feature pale-green petals and clam-shaped dark-purple lips, flushed yellow-green and adorned with white bases deeply-veined purple. Blooming for six months starting in the spring, the unique blossoms are borne intermittently on racemose inflorescences. A mature plant produces many blossoms and can bloom all year. The flattened pear-shaped pseudobulbs bear evergreen lance-shaped leaves up to 8-14 in. long (20-35 cm). Native to Florida, Mexico, Central, and South America, and the West Indies, Cockleshell Orchid is found in wet, broad-leaved forests at elevations of 1500-3300 ft. (450-1000 m). Easy to grow, Cockleshell Orchid is perfect for novice orchid enthusiasts. This is the national flower of Belize.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 10-18 in. wide (25-45 cm).
• Easily grown in an open epiphytic compost with bright filtered light. The plant should not be exposed to the direct sunlight of the midday sun.
• Provide strong, constant air movement.
• Needs an average night temperature of 60-62°F (16-17°C) and a daytime temperature of 80°F (27°C) in summer.
• Needs an average night temperature of 52-53°F (11-12°C) and a daytime temperature of 71-73°F (22-23°C) in winter.
• Maintain adequate humidity (80-85%) for most of the year by setting the plant in a tray of damp pebbles.
• Water your plant thoroughly during the active growth period, then allow it to dry slightly before watering again. Never let your orchid sit in a water-logged pot. Keep your orchid dry in winter.
• Feed with a balanced fertilizer every third or fourth watering.
• Propagate by division when plants overfill the container.
• Once the flowers have faded, remove the spent flower spikes.
• Generally disease-free. Keep an eye out for aphids, glasshouse red spider mites, mealybugs, and root rot (excess moisture).
• Native to Florida, Mexico, Central and South America, and West Indies.