Epidendrum
( ep - id - DEN - drum )
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.
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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.
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. |
Caring for Epidendrum
Need plenty of sun to flower, but cool, shaded roots. Mulch plants growing in the ground. In areas with colder winters, plants should be grown in containers and moved indoors in winter. Feed with diluted high-nitrogen fertilizer (liquid) during growing season. Feed plants grown in the ground once a month to once every watering. When blooms fade, cut stems back to within one or two joints from the ground.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Foliage will turn red and burn in sunlight that is too direct. Tip growth damaged at 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants will die at 22 degrees Fahrenheit.
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 301-302, Epidendrum
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