EPIDENDRUM ORCHIDS

Epidendrum Orchid, The Largest Genus of Orchids

Epidendrum orchids is the largest genus in the orchid familia. This genus includes more than 1,100 species hence it is a mega genus. Epidendrum orchids are also called epi which is named after their habits that grow on trees like epiphytes. But actually not all epidendrum orchids live on trees, and some are not even considered as epiphytes at all.

It was Carolus Linnaeus that included all the orchids which he recognized and considered as epiphytes. In 1763 he introduced this genus which later was then reviewed and revised where some orchids were moved to other species and sub-species. The review and revision went on and until today about 2,000 names are listed, among those about 1,000 have been established into a new genera. Still, there is an estimation of more or less 2,000 undiscovered epidendrum orchid types out there.

The majority of epidendrum orchids are native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia as well as America. They mostly live upon trees (epiphytes), although some live on grounds (terrestrial type) and only a few live on rocks (lithophytes). Their habitats are the tropical and humid jungles. However epidendrums can also survive on green fields or under the trees of cool forests. That is why epidendrums are regarded as sustainable orchids.

Unlike the majority of epidendrum orchids that live in tropical areas, there are some types that are able to survive in cool conditions like the Epidendrum radicans. The Epidendrum conopseum can even stay alive in prolonged freezing conditions of Auckland. In this extreme low temperature it is still able to bloom the whole year long.

The size and form of the flowers are available in a number of varieties. They produce flowers in clusters in the form a receme (or unbranched inflourescences). In some occasion they also bloom in the form of panicles (or compound recemes) with longer flower stalks. Most of the upper, lateral and lower side flowers are small to medium sized and is a bit difficult to see them.

The one and only attractiveness to these epidendrum orchids are their very pleasant smell. Many types of epidendrums produce pleasant fragrance which is the best reason to caring for this orchid. Epidendrum aromaticum and Epidendrum cochleatum are some of them which are able to flourish to spread pleasant smell from summer to autumn, but E. cochleatum needs a bit warmer temperature. On the other hand, Epidendrum moyobambae and Epidendrum radiatum are two examples of fragrance orchids that blooms in spring to summer

Epidendrums have very minimum features to offer, since their flowers are unattractive and very small compared to other orchids. However, there are some that have beautiful flowers. One of the few epidendrums that possess beautiful flowers is the Epidendrum radicans which you can consider to be listed in your orchid collection.

E. radicans is some kind of wild-plant orchid that you may find along the roadsides of Central America. It produces long fluorescence of flaming-red flowers which could reach a length about 15 inches. It has a long flowering time when kept in warm to cool temperature on terrestrial orchid-mix as potting media.

Epidendrum pfavii or the ‘Purple Gum Drop’ is another one that has attractive flowers. This native to Costa Rica orchid grows with an erect stem which is able to grow up to four feet tall. It produces a huge quantity of pink to purple colored flowers that flowers at the edge of the stem. If you like to care for one, the best media for cultivation is on barks or a coarse media which provides good drainage. It is a thrifty type of orchids, thus you do not need to use a fertilizer to get optimum results.

In spite of their only few positive traits, epidendrum orchids are quite easy to propagate. A single stem can produce many plants with a broad range of tolerability and growth conditions. These new types are best cultivated on bark compost-mix, sphagnum moss and fibers of tree branches. They are also very tolerable to high temperatures up to 100F without showing any sign of harm or suffering.

The conclusion: In spite of their minimum of good features to offer, there are types of epidendrums that possess positive traits: their pleasant smell and some of them with beautiful flowers plus their ‘stubbornness’ you may definitely include one in your orchid collection.