Epidendrum bambusiforme - Bamboo-like Epidendrum

Epidendrum bambusiforme

Common Name: Bamboo-like Epidendrum

Native to: Peru. Epidendrum bambusiforme is native to dry banks of Peru where it grows as a terrestrial orchid between 1500 and 2500 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Large. The upright stems of Epidendrum bambusiforme are clothed in linear leaves that somewhat resemble bamboo.

Flower Size: 1 inch (2.2 cm)

Flower Description: Flowers of Epidendrum bambusiforme develop below the leaves are appear on 3.5 inch (9 cm) long unbranched stems. Several flowers bloom on each stem and the flowers are fleshy and substantial.

Bloom Season: Fall

Growing Temperature: Cool

Additional Information: This species was given the specific epitaph of "bambusiforme" due to the plant's resemblance to bamboo. Grow in a pot with a good quality terrestrial orchid mix. Provide even moisture and fertilizer for best growth and flowering. Large and impressive.

Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum atroscriptum - Dark Written Epidendrum

Epidendrum atroscriptum

Common Name: Dark Written Epidendrum

Native to: Mexico south to Guatemala. Epidendrum atroscriptum is found growing in tropical rainforests in the Mexican states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Vera Cruz and in the northernmost part of Guatemala. It is found growing between 200 and 900 meters in elevation on trees or rocks.

Plant Size: Large. The leafy stems are reed-like and upright. Each stem has between seven and fourteen leaves.

Flower Size: 0.5 inches (1.25 cm)

Flower Description: The small flowers bloom in succession and have dark markings on the lip. Flowers bloom on a long, branched flower stem that grows up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall. Each stem carries between 12 and 120 flowers.

Bloom Season: Late Spring to Summer

Growing Temperature: Warm

Additional Information: Epidendrum atroscriptum is a large reed-stem Epidendrum that produces an impressive, long-lasting floral display. Grow in containers with coarse, open, well-drained media. Provide ample water and fertilizer during active growth and keep moist the rest of the year. This species can also be grown mounted on a substantial driftwood mount. Epidendrum atroscriptum is closely related to Epidendrum veroscriptum and Epidendrum roseoscriptum.

Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum arnoldii

Epidendrum arnoldii

Common Name: Arnold's Epidendrum

Native to: Columbia. Epidendrum arnoldii is native to a small area of central Columbia and grows in dwarf, wet mountain forests between 2800 to 3300 meters in elevation. This species grows as a terrestrial plant. It is possible that it is extinct in the wild.

Plant Size: Large.

Flower Size: 0.75 inches (2 cm)

Flower Description: Flowers are produced on a branched, upright inflorescence that is produced at the end of the stem. The flowers are sweetly fragrant and numerous.

Bloom Season: Late Spring

Growing Temperature: Cool

Additional Information: Epidendrum arnoldii is a large, terrestrial reed-stem Epidendrum. Grow in a well-drained pot with a loose terrestrial orchid mix. Keep evenly moist but be careful not to over-water larger pots in order to avoid root rot. Grow on the cool side.

Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum avicula

Epidendrum avicula

Epidendrum armeniacum - The Orange Epidendrum

Epidendrum armeniacum

Common Name: The Orange Epidendrum

Native to: Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru. Epidendrum armeniacum grows in moist mountainous forests between 450 and 1600 meters in elevation. This species grows on tree trunks.

Plant Size: Small. The stems are slender and upright and have many leaves.

Flower Size: 0.75 inches (2 cm)

Flower Description: Orange flowers are produced in great quantity on a flower stalk that emerges from the top of mature canes. Colorful and attractive.

Bloom Season: Fall and Winter

Growing Temperature: Warm to Cool (Adaptable)

Additional Information: Epidendrum armeniacum is an attractive and floriferous compact species that is adaptable and fairly undemanding. Mount on cork or tree fern or grow in pots with a loose, open media. Keep moist but not soggy and provide humidity and air circulation. This species has been used to produce some of todays showy reed-stem Epidendrum orchid hybrids.

Synonyms: Amblostoma armeniacum, Epidendrum macrostachya

Epidendrum arevaloi - Arevalo's Epidendrum

Epidendrum arevaloi

Common Name: Arevalo's Epidendrum

Native to: Columbia, Ecuador. Epidendrum arevaloi grows on trees at high elevation in cool cloud forests between 2100 and 2680 meters. This species is protected in the Guacamayo Cloudforest Reserve.

Plant Size: Large. Epidendrum arevaloi is one of the largest members of the genus. The branched stems are fleshy and have numerous leaves.

Flower Size: 0.75 inches (2 cm)

Flower Description: Flowers are fairly small but many bloom at one time to produce a colorful display of floral beauty. Flower stems develop at the end of the stem and bear between five and eight flowers each.

Bloom Season: Spring to Fall

Growing Temperature: Cool

Additional Information: Epidendrum arevaloi was named after Mr. Arevalo who was a collector of Ecuadorian orchids during the early 20th century. Grow mounted on large cork or tree fern slabs or in a well-drained pot. The plants become large, attractive specimens with age.

Synonyms: Diothonea arevaloi

Epidendrum ardens - Ardens' Epidendrum

Epidendrum ardens

Common Name: Ardens' Epidendrum

Native to: Peru. Epidendrum ardens is found growing on trees or rocks in cold, wet cloud forests in Peru between 2000 and 4150 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Medium to Large. The stems are upright, branched, and covered in attractive dark green leaves that are suffused with purple.

Flower Size: 0.75 inches (2 cm)

Flower Description: Flowers of Epidendrum ardens are produced on pendant flower stems that bear up to 14 flowers.

Bloom Season: Summer to Fall

Growing Temperature: Cool

Additional Information: This is another tree-dwelling Epidendrum species that grows well mounted in cool, humid growing conditions. Provide even moisture and fertilizer throughout the year.

Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum arbusculum - Tree-like Epidendrum

Epidendrum arbusculum

Common Name: Tree-like Epidendrum

Native to: Mexico south to Ecuador. Epidendrum arbusculum is found growing in cloud forests between 1700 and 3200 meters in elevation. This species grows on trees.

Plant Size: Medium. Epidendrum arbusculum has branching reed-like stems that are covered in leaves.

Flower Size: about 1 inch (2.5 cm) or larger

Flower Description: Flowers are large and attractive and produced on 8 inch (20 cm) long arching flower stems.

Bloom Season: Winter.

Growing Temperature: Cool to Warm.

Additional Information: Grow mounted on cork or tree fern plaques and provide even water and fertilizer year-round. Like other species from cloud forests, provide adequate air circulation and high humidity.

Synonyms: Epidendrum nubium

Epidendrum apaganoides - The Epidendrum apaganum-like Epidendrum

Epidendrum apaganoides

Common Name: The Epidendrum apaganum-like Epidendrum

Native to: Peru. Epidendrum apaganoides grows on trees in wet mountain forest habitats around 1000 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Small. Epidendrum apaganoides has upright, leafy stems.

Flower Size: 0.5 inches (1.25 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers of Epidendrum apaganoides are small and produced on flower stems that grow at the tip of the cane. A typical stem produces between three and five flowers. The flower stem can branch from the base and rebloom.

Bloom Season: Summer to Early Winter

Growing Temperature: Warm

Additional Information: Epidendrum apaganoides is another warm-growing species that like moisture and high humidity. Grow mounted on cork or tree fern slabs or grow in a small, well drained pot with coarse growing media. The flower stem can produce multiple flushes of flowers.

Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum antonense - Anton Epidendrum

Epidendrum antonense

Common Name: Anton Epidendrum

Native to: Panama. Epidendrum antonense grows on trees in wet mountain forests from 70 to 800 meters in elevation. The plants are frequently found growing near streams or other areas of surface water.

Plant Size: Small to Medium. Epidendrum antonense has upright, fleshy reed-like stems that are covered in greenish-purple leaves. Grows on trees.

Flower Size: 0.75 inches (2 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers of Epidendrum antonense are produced on a persistent flower stem that grows to 4 inches (10 cm). Don't cut the flower stem when the flowers fade because the stem can produce new flowers for many years. No fragrance.

Bloom Season: Summer.

Growing Temperature: Warm

Additional Information: This species was named for the Anton Valley in Panama because that is where the type specimen was first discovered growing. Mount on cork bark or tree fern plaques or grow in slatted baskets. Epidendrum antonense needs warm, humid growing conditions with lots of air circulation.

Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum anthropophorum - Human-like Epidendrum

Epidendrum anthropophorum

Common Name: Human-like Epidendrum

Native to: Ecuador. Epidendrum anthropophorum grows on west-facing slopes in moist cloud forests between 2400 and 2800 meters in elevation. This species grows on trees.

Plant Size: Small to Medium. Epidendrum anthropophorum has fleshy reed-like stems with nine or ten leaves on the upper two-thirds of the stem. The canes can branch from the base or up higher on the stem.

Flower Size: 1 cm

Flower Description: The small flowers of Epidendrum anthropophorum are borne on a sort stem at the top of the cane. All flowers open at the same time.

Bloom Season: Summer.

Growing Temperature: Cool

Additional Information: This is an attractive species from cool, humid cloud forests. Grow mounted on cork or tree fern slabs. Provide cool Cattleya orchid growing conditions with more humidity. Water and mist frequently but do not let the mount get soggy.

Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum ansiferum - The Eyed Epidendrum

Epidendrum ansiferum

Common Name: The Eyed Epidendrum

Native to: Brazil?

Plant Size: Large. This species is a terrestrial reed-stem type of Epidendrum.

Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Flower Description: Flowers of Epidendrum ansiferum are produced at the end of the reed-stem canes. The flower stem has numerous flower that are borne on an umbrella-shaped inflorescence.

Bloom Season: Spring

Growing Temperature: Warm

Additional Information: Epidendrum ansiferum is another terrestrial reed-stem type that produces many flowers. Grow in a pot with sharp drainage in a coarse terrestrial orchid mix.

Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum anoglossum - Lipless Epidendrum

Epidendrum anoglossum

Common Name: Lipless Epidendrum

Native to: Costa Rica and Panama. Epidendrum anoglossum grows in mountainous cloud forests between 600 to 3200 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Small. The plant has small canes that have a few leaves along the length of the stem.

Flower Size: 0.5 inches (1.5 cm)

Flower Description: Flowers are borne on terminal flower stems that produce between 4 and 10 flowers.

Bloom Season: Spring?

Growing Temperature: Warm to Cool

Additional Information: Grow Epidendrum anoglossum mounted on cork bark or grow in a slated basket. Provide water and fertilizer throughout the year.

Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum annabellae - Annabelle's Epidendrum

Epidendrum annabellae

Common Name: Annabelle's Epidendrum

Native to: Hispanola. Epidendrum annabellae is native to the island of Hispanola and grows in cool pine forests between 2200 and 2300 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Small. The plants have branched stems that have few leaves.

Flower Size: 1.25 inches (3 cm)

Flower Description: Flowers are produced on terminal gracefully arching inflorescence and bear between three and five flowers.

Bloom Season: Spring to Summer

Growing Temperature: Cool

Additional Information: Grow Epidendrum annabellae mounted on cork or tree fern plaques and provide even moisture year-round. Cool, humid conditions with healthy air circulation is necessary for optimal growth. This species was named after Dr. Donald Dod's wife.

Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum anisatum - Anise-Scented Epidendrum

Epidendrum anisatum

Common Name: Anise-Scented Epidendrum

Native to: Mexico. Epidendrum anisatum is found growing in the Mexican states of Nayarit, Jalisco, Michoacan, Guerrero, Mexico, and Morelos. This species prefers to grow on oak trees in wet oak-pine forests.

Plant Size: Small. The stems are cane-like and have ten to fifteen leaves.

Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Flower Description: Flowers are produced on short terminal flower stems and produce a few (between 2 and 8) flowers. The flowers of Epidendrum anisatum have a pleasant anise fragrance.

Bloom Season: Winter to Spring

Growing Temperature: Warm to Cool

Additional Information: Grow mounted or in slatted baskets with a coarse, free-draining media. Provide typical Cattleya orchid conditions with high humidity and adequate air circulation. This species is popular because of its pleasing fragrance.

Synonyms: Epidendrum gladiatum, Epidendrum juergensenii, Epidendrum vandifolium

Epidendrum anderssonii - Andersson's Epidendrum

Epidendrum anderssonii

Common Name: Andersson's Epidendrum

Native to: Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, and Peru. Epidendrum anderssonii is a terrestrial orchid species that grows in cool, moist mountain habitats between 2600 to 2700 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Large. The plants have upright cane-like stems clothed with many leaves. The stems can develop branches.

Flower Size: Tiny. 0.5 cm

Flower Description: Flowers are produced on short flower stems at the tip of the canes. A few flowers are produced on each stem.

Bloom Season: Blooms throughout the year.

Growing Temperature: Cool

Additional Information: This species was named in honor of Mr. Andersson who is a collector of Ecuadorian orchid species.

Synonyms: Epidendrum inamoenum var. robustum

Epidendrum anceps - Brown Epidendrum

Epidendrum anceps

Common Name: Brown Epidendrum

Native to: Florida and the American tropics. Widespread. Epidendrum anceps grows on trees in cypress swamps and in forests up to 2000 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Medium.

Flower Size: 0.5 inches (1.5 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers of Epidendrum anceps range from brown to orange in color. The flowers can occur any time of the year and bloom on a terminal flower stem that grows to 9 inches (22.5 cm). Unlike most other orchids, the flower stem persists for many years and produces flowers any time of the year. Fragrant flowers. Some people think the flowers smell like old straw.

Bloom Season: Anytime of the year.

Growing Temperature: Cool to Warm.

Additional Information: Epidendrum anceps is a widespread and adaptable species that has many variations. The best cultivars have nicely shaped orange flowers. Grow mounted on cork or tree fern plaques or grow in slatted wood baskets in a coarse, open growing media. Provide Cattleya orchid growing conditions. This species tolerates a wide range of temperatures.

Synonyms: Amphiglottis anceps, Amphiglottis lurida, Cattleya galeottiana, Epidendrum amphistomum, Epidendrum anceps var. viridipurpureum, Epidendrum cearense, Epidendrum ensatum, Epidendrum fuscatum, Epidendrum fuscatum var. virescens, Epidendrum galeottianum, Epidendrum musciferum, Epidendrum patens, Epidendrum schenckianum, Epidendrum schreineri, Epidendrum secundum, Epidendrum secundum ssp. Breigeri, Epidendrum virescens, Epidendrum viridipurpureum, Tritelandra fuscata

Epidendrum amblostomoides

Epidendrum amblostomoides

Native to: Brazil.

Plant Size: Medium.

Flower Size: Small.

Flower Description: description

Bloom Season: Fall?

Growing Temperature: Intermediate

Additional Information: Epidendrum amblostomoides was first described to science in 1938. Grow mounted on cork bark and provide even water and fertilizer. Provide Cattleya orchid growing conditions.
Synonyms: Amblostoma amblostomoides