The Epidendrum orchid is one of the most popular and strangest of all flowers. This group of orchids includes more than 1,000 cultivars from tropical to subtropical.
Source: Orchie Dee
How to grow Epidendrum orchids
Epidendrums can adapt to a wider range of conditions than many other orchid species, although they prefer warmer environments.
Light
Depending on the species, most Epidendrums prefer full sun or partial shade. Getting the right light is one of the hardest parts of any orchid care job. Too few and they may not bloom, too much and their leaves may start to burn and turn brown.
Bright but direct light usually yields the best results. They should preferably not be placed somewhere that is meant to be exposed to too much direct sunlight during the hottest summer months.
Soil
The main requirement for Epidendrum Orchids is that they be potted in a location with good drainage. If they are grown outdoors, sandy soil with a lot of humus will be the best choice.
Things like bark mixed with perlite, gravel, moss, or coarse sand usually work well. There are even potting mixes specifically made for orchids or cactus that will do this.
Drinking water
Yarrow plants need regular watering to thrive, but their roots like to wither in between. During the warmer months, they will need watering at least once a week and possibly more often.
In the cooler months, you won’t need to water as often. Choosing to water only every two weeks or every few weeks during this time can even help encourage healthier shoot growth.
As with all orchids, it’s all about getting the right balance. They won’t appreciate being left dehydrated or waterlogged. Watering in the morning is also important to avoid standing water.
Temperature and humidity
The requirements of each species of Epidendrum can vary widely, so make sure you do your research.
In general, however, these orchids are quite hardy and resilient. They can cope with a wide range of temperatures but will not be able to handle freezing conditions.
Their preference is usually low temperatures around 70 degrees during the day and nothing below 10 degrees F at night.
Ideally, humidity is between 50 and 70%.
Fertilizer
Your Epidendrum will likely appreciate being fed a diluted mixture of a high quality and well-balanced orchid fertilizer once a week or every two weeks.
Breeding Orchid Epidendrum
Because Epidendrum Orchids readily form offspring of the main plant, this means that propagation is simple. These keikis, as their name suggests, can be cut from orchids and replanted. Moist sphagnum moss is a popular litter for transplanted keikis to establish.
Grown in containers
While many Epidendrum species can be grown outdoors, they often need very specific temperatures and environments to grow. Unless you’re a dedicated geek, you may find it easier to keep them in containers around the house.
The key is to find a spot where your orchid grows well and then not be tempted to change it. They don’t appreciate moving, and their health may suffer as a result.