This orchid is often sold under its earlier classification as an Encyclia. If is commonly called an octopus flower. It has been moved to its own new family. These flower very young and in small pots. The flower buds come up in clusters on the flower stem, but often open one at a time over the course of months. They grow best in small pots. We classify these as semi-miniature plants. While the plants are small the flowers are large for a plant its size, usually 3-inches. There is also a hybrid of cochleata that is black, with similar plant and flower size. It was crossed with a Guarianthe. Guarechea Miva Etoile Noire.