The gorgeous Epidendrum orchids are the easiest to grow and enormously diverse. A few of the more famous common botanical names are the beautiful Star Orchid, Reed-stem, Sun Orchid, Poor Man’s Orchid and the captivating Crucifix Orchid. This mega genus consists of more than 2,000 names, about 1,100 of them widely accepted.

Around 1,000 of them have been split off into a new genera, which includes Barkeria, Nanodes, Dimerandra, Encyclia, Oerstedella, and Psichylus. Named by Carolus Lennaeus in 1763 and abbreviated as Epi, the Epdendrum was named for the Greek words “epi” and “dendron” which basically means that these evergreen perennial orchids grow on trees. Approximately 400 new species have recently been described by Eric Hagsater and his colleagues. Amazing, isn’t it.

The Epidendrum orchids are native to the tropics and subtropics of the Americas and the Caribbean although they are now naturalized and cultivated worldwide. Originally found in Argentina in South American and north to Central America, Mexico as well as South Carolina their habitat swings through southeastern North America. Actually their habitat varies from dry tropical forests to muggy jungles and from sunny grass slopes to cool cloud forests. What more can you ask from a flower?

Mostly found at higher elevations between 1,000 to 3,000 meters up, some are found as low as sea level. Although most are epiphytes meaning they grow on trees, many are terrestrial, growing along the ground, while some are lithophytes. Depending on the species, some are miniature white blooms while others are medium and even large. The blooms are produced on mostly reed-like stems or thickened pseudobulbs that are either roundish or oblong.

The more captivating species are the Crucifix orchids that produce large clusters of gorgeous flowers, each bloom displaying a three-lobed lip next to the reed-like or arched column, resembling a cross. The blooms are absolutely stunning and unique in their variations and colors. Most of the epis grow easily in well-drained soil or mix with regular watering and fertilizing. They need enough bright light, even full sun and do well in a warm to hot climate. Otherwise they would be weak, lanky and won’t bloom. Several of the species are grown at high elevations and actually favor a cooler climate and shady conditions.

As with most orchids, allow the soil to slightly dry between watering, especially during the blooming season or during cooler weather. Orchids that need warmer growing conditions are more salt tolerant than the cooler growing types that receive pure rainwater at high elevations. They need humidity and ample air circulation in order to thrive. Buy potting mix that is coarse and will offer good drainage. Fir bark always works, mixed with charcoal gravel and some gravel or lava rocks. I grew my Epidendrum in a hanging basket filled with tree fern, coarse sand, and some moss. Coconut husks work, too, as will chunks or charcoal alone. If you decide to plant yours in the ground, make sure you have loamy, sandy soil. They love their food so fertilize on a regular basis during their growing months. Stake the stems if necessary, and do remember to remove spent flowers and stems. However, heavy pruning is not necessary since most species will continue flowering for years on both new and old stems.

How can you resist having these sprays of orchids gracing your windowsill, patio or garden walls? Crucifix orchids are ideal as container plants. The taller Epidendrum, like the Reedstem, are perfect for growing outdoors blooming almost all year long. These wonders offer exquisite cutting flowers. Planted in raised beds or as landscape plants, they will offer a spectacular display of colorful flowers. Mount the epiphytic species on trees, arbors or hanging baskets whereas the lithophytic type is ideal for rock gardens. You can’t go wrong with this particular species. Enjoy the fruits of your labors.

Here is an informative video about Epidendrum orchids.  It’s definitely worth watching.

Here are a few links that will lead you to additional information about the Epidendrum orchid plants:

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Filed under: Orchid Species

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