Epidendrum

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin: Tropics of America. 

Description. Epidendrum is a large genus of about 1,500 species of orchids, including epiphytic, terrestrial, and lithophytic plants. Some species have pseudobulbs, while others do not. Sometimes basal strap-shaped leaves develop that emerge from the tips of the pseudobulbs, while other times a stem is formed on which the leaves are arranged alternately. The stems can be either erect or drooping. The flowers vary greatly in shape, appearance, and color. The buds can be white, lilac, pink, green, orange, yellow, and red. Some species emit a pleasant fragrance during flowering.

Height. The size of the plants varies greatly depending on the species and is 30 - 150 cm. 

Care at home

Temperature for keeping orchids

For flowering, epidendrum requires a daily temperature difference of at least 10° C. For example, if the air temperature during the daytime can be 26 - 32° C, then at night it is desirable to reduce it to 10 - 18° C. The winter dormant period should take place at a temperature of at least 10° C.

How to care for a flower 

This orchid requires certain conditions of maintenance and its cultivation is most likely only possible for experienced gardeners.

Lighting

Direct sunlight can fall on the leaves in the evening morning hours, every day. It is worth shading the orchid during the day - in spring and summer. In autumn and winter, maximum illumination is necessary. If there is a lack of natural light, fluorescent lamps can be used.

Orchid substrate

You can use a ready-made mixture for growing orchids or make your own from leaf humus, peat, sphagnum moss, pine bark or fern fibers, well-rotted manure and small pieces of charcoal. The soil should easily allow moisture and air to pass to the roots of the plant; to improve drainage, add coarse sand or perlite. 

Feeding

From spring to mid-autumn, feed with liquid fertilizers every 2 weeks at half the concentration. Do not feed during the dormant period. 

Purpose

Species with drooping stems and flower stalks will look very attractive when grown in a hanging basket. 

Flowering time

The flowering period is long – it can last more than a month, and usually occurs in spring or summer. The exact time of flowering varies depending on the species. Many epidendrums are capable of blooming several times a year. 

Air humidity

Only high humidity of about 50 - 80% is suitable. Place the pot on a tray filled with wet pebbles or use a room humidifier. You can surround the orchid with a layer of wet sphagnum or spray the leaves with soft water at room temperature, providing a location with sufficient air movement.

Watering

Water regularly and generously during the growing season, allowing the top 3 cm of soil to dry out before each subsequent watering. In the winter months, when the plant is kept cool, protect the soil ball from drying out. The need for watering will be indicated by small wrinkles on the pseudobulbs. Use only soft water for watering or periodically rinse the pot from accumulated salts. 

Transplantation

Repotting is done only if it is necessary to change the soil or the size of the pot, in spring. Never repot flowering specimens. For planting, choose unglazed clay pots with large drainage holes. The clay walls of such pots easily allow moisture and air to pass to the roots of orchids.

Reproduction

By division during transplantation. 

Pests and diseases

Rot occurs when there is insufficient air movement and excessive watering, especially during the winter months. 

Among pests, scale insects and spider mites can pose a danger, but they mainly appear on plants weakened by improper care or on sick plants.