This Epidendrum is a hybrid with unknown origin, the Epidendrum genus has a native range of Tropical & Subtropical America.
Epidendrum are sympodial orchids, producing clustered, cane-like pseudobulbs. Leaves are arranged alternately along the stem. They have an epiphytic or lithophytic growth habit and produce non-resupinate flowers (upside-down flowers). They can produce keikis on their flower spikes which will eventually snap off or continue growing if there is some support. Flowers are borne on terminal spikes and form a cluster of blooms which usually last up to a month. Some plants seem to bloom continuously!
Genus name comes from the Greek epi meaning upon and dendron meaning trees, referencing the plants epiphytic growth habit.
For more information on Epiphytes, read our blog here.
Also vailable mounted on cork bark.
Bark sizes approx:
Medium - Length 30cm Width 10cm
Light: 1300-3400fc. Bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain, by reflected sun or through a skylight. Avoid direct summer sun, too much sunlight results in leaves turning a lighter green colour with some red sunstress.
Water: Water with lukewarm water when the about ¾ potting mix is dry.
Potting medium: Ideally pot in a chunky mix made up of pine bark, sphagnum moss and some horticultural charcoal. If the medium isn’t chunky, you’ll be watering less. It is worth noting that Epidendrums often come in a coco-coir based potting mix and the plants have been fine, just amend watering.
Fertilising: Feed monthly using a well balanced fertiliser. You can further dilute fertiliser than the recommended amount but never add more.
Temperature: 15-22˚C.
Humidity: Between 50-80%, they do well to adapt to average home humidity and don’t seem to depend on higher humidity.
Epidendrum are non-toxic.