Epidendrum
( ep - ih - DEN - drum )
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At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of tropical flowering plants is very easy to grow, and is referred to in the nursery trade simply as Epi. These herbaceous flowering plants need full sun to partial shade and regular water to perform well. They bloom in large clusters, and form from underground pseudobulbs. There is a good deal of variation in flower color, foliage, size, and habit within the genus, though the most commonly seen flower colors are white, pink, purple, red, orange, and yellow. Take care when planting these flowers in the landscape, as they contain compounds that are toxic to humans and animals when ingested.
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Epidendrum Species and Varietals
The mega-genus Epidendrum incudes a whopping 1,500 species and is a member of the plant family Orchidaceae. Their suggested growing zones vary depending on the species. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Epidendrum ibaguense (Epidendrum radicans) This species grows best in zones 17, 21-24, H1 and H2. They are native to Columbia, and sprout globular clusters of orange to yellow flowers on stems that are 2-4 feet tall. Blooms continuously in warm weather areas. Hybrid varieties are available with flower colors in shades of yellow, orange, pink, lavender and white. 'Ballerina', for example, is a popular variety with orange flowers. |
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Epidendrum x obrienianum (Butterfly Orchid) This species grows best in zones 17, 21-24, H1 and H2. It can also be grown as an indoor plant or in a greenhouse. Stems rise 1-2 feet above the foliage clump, and produce clusters of red flowers. Plants bloom continuously in the right conditions. |
Caring for Epidendrum
Epidendrums are low-maintenance Orchids, and can handle full sun or partial shade conditions. They grow best in bright, indirect light, so a spot in the garden that receives sun in the morning through the afternoon is best, with some shade in the late afternoon when temperatures are the warmest to avoid foliage burn. They also like a place where they can get shade on their roots. Loamy-sandy soil is best, one that drains well. If local soils are particularly poor or do not drain well, make sure to amend the area with sand, compost, and plenty of organic material before installing plants. Alternatively, Epidendrums can be grown in containers filled with bark mixed with perlite, compost, gravel, and moss. Container-grown Epidendrums can be brought into a greenhouse or indoors over the cooler months of the year. In temperate areas, they can remain in the ground over the winter. They are damaged at 28 degrees Fahrenheit, and will die if temperatures drop below 22 degrees Fahrenheit. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system. Mature plants will need waterings about once a week (more frequently in hotter areas) in the warmer months. In the cooler months, they don't need water as often; once every two or three weeks is typically sufficient. Apply mulch around the base of these flowers to suppress weed growth, maintain soil temperatures, and increase soil moisture retention. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with a application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Repeat this feeding each month during the active growing season. When blooms fade, cut stems back to within one or two joints from the ground. When grown in containers, Epidendrums will need to be repotted every three years or so to keep them healthy.
Growing Epidendrum Indoors
Epidendrum Orchids do well when grown indoors; the environmental conditions are more stable, and since these plants really don't like change, they thrive. Smaller varieties are more ideal for indoor growing; taller varieties need larger containers, and have the tendency to become top-heavy and flop over. They typically need staking. Ensure that the growing substrate is well-draining (a combination of bark mixed with perlite, compost, gravel, and moss works very well). Water regularly (every time the top inch or two of soil is dry to the touch) to avoid plants drying out. They also do not like to be left in standing water, so ensure that containers have adequate drainage holes. Pot up every three years for best plant health.
Growing Epidendrum Indoors
Epidendrum Orchids do well when grown indoors; the environmental conditions are more stable, and since these plants really don't like change, they thrive. Smaller varieties are more ideal for indoor growing; taller varieties need larger containers, and have the tendency to become top-heavy and flop over. They typically need staking. Ensure that the growing substrate is well-draining (a combination of bark mixed with perlite, compost, gravel, and moss works very well). Water regularly (every time the top inch or two of soil is dry to the touch) to avoid plants drying out. They also do not like to be left in standing water, so ensure that containers have adequate drainage holes. Pot up every three years for best plant health.
Propagation
Epidendrum are best propagated via separation of offshoots from a parent plant. This is the most straightforward and ultimately successful way of propagating these orchids. Propagation by seed is possible, though it can take years to get a mature flowering plant and requires a lot of materials and a sterile environment. It is rarely attempted by home gardeners. To propagate your Epidendrum by volunteer division, follow the instructions below:
Propagation By Volunteer Sprout (Keiki)
The easiest way to propagate Epidendrum is by removing their baby clones and replanting them where you'd like your new Epidendrum to be. Keikis are ready to be cut from their parent plant when they are at an early growth stage. This way, they will not pull too many nutrients from the original plant and end up damaging them. To propagate your Epidendrum by pups, you'll need a clean trowel and a pot filled with peat moss. Once you've gathered your materials, follow these steps:
Propagation By Volunteer Sprout (Keiki)
The easiest way to propagate Epidendrum is by removing their baby clones and replanting them where you'd like your new Epidendrum to be. Keikis are ready to be cut from their parent plant when they are at an early growth stage. This way, they will not pull too many nutrients from the original plant and end up damaging them. To propagate your Epidendrum by pups, you'll need a clean trowel and a pot filled with peat moss. Once you've gathered your materials, follow these steps:
- Loosen the soil around the bottom of your Epidendrum plant where the keiki has formed. Using a clean, sharp blade, cut the mini plant away from its parent. Take care to not damage the pup or the parent plant with any nicks from your blade.
- Plant your keiki in your pot filled with peat moss and lightly moisten the soil, ensuring that adequate drainage is occurring. Place the container in an area that receives bright light and stays relatively warm.
- Give the keiki water every time the top inch or two of soil dry out, but don't saturate the soil. After a few weeks of this watering schedule, the keiki will have produced enough of a root system to begin putting on real growth.
- As a general rule of thumb, don't move around potted Epidendrum plants; they are very sensitive to changes in their environment, and moving them around the home or greenhouse can stress them out.
Problems and Pests
Epidendrum orchids are susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases:
- Hard Brown Scale
- Aphids
- Water Mold
- Root Rot
- Leaf Spot
Gallery
This protected area next to a fence is perfect for Epidendrum orchids.
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There are many different species with various flower colors and compositions.
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The branches of Epidendrum orchids are somewhat pendulous.
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Videos
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A care guide for Epidendrum orchids.
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Learn about these great orchids.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 301-302, Epidendrum
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