Epidendrum erectifolium

Epidendrum erectifolium

Common Name: Erect-leaf Epidendrum
Native to: Mexico. Epidendrum erectifolium is native to the Mexican state of Chiapas where it is found growing between 1000 and 1600 meters in elevation. It grows on tree branches.
Plant Size: Small. Epidendrum erectifolium has upright reed-like stems with up to eight leaves.
Flower Size: 1.25 inches (3 cm)
Flower Description: Flowers stems are produced at the tip of maturing growths. Up to eleven flowers bloom at the same time. Fragrant.
Bloom Season: Winter to Spring
Growing Temperature: Cool to Warm
Additional Information: Epidendrum erectifolium is an attractive species from Mexico that has fragrant flower. Grow mounted on cork or tree fern or grow in a slatted basket. Provide even moisture and fertilizer.
Synonyms: None

Epidendrum acunae - Acuna's Epidendrum

Epidendrum acunae

Common Name: Acuna's Epidendrum

Native to: Florida, Cuba, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. Epidendrum acunae is possibly extinct in Florida. In Mexico it is found in the Mexican states of Chiapas and Vera Cruz. This species prefers low-elevation tropical rainforest habitats from sea level to 1000 meters near water.

Plant Size: Large. Epidendrum acunae grows on trees and has a pendant or hanging habit. Stems are cane-like and have many leaves.

Flower Size: 1.5 inches (4 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers of Epidendrum acunae are produced on a short flower stem that grows an the top of the cane. Each growth produces one or two flowers.

Bloom Season: Summer

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm

Additional Information: This species has a dramatic, pendant habit and needs to be mounted on a large cork or wood mount. Provide warmth and humidity and even watering and fertilizer. Plants are large and can become impressive specimens. Epidendrum acunae was named in honor of a prominent Cuban engineer and orchid collector from the early 20th century.

Synonyms: Spathiger roigii

Encyclia tuerckheimii

Encyclia tuerckheimii

Common Name: Tuerckheim's Encyclia

Native to: Mexico. Encyclia tuerckheimii is found growing in the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Chiapas and Guatemala. It grows on trees in cool, moist pine and oak evergreen forests between 1400 and 2300 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Medium. Encyclia tuerckheimii has pear-shaped pseudobulbs that are tightly clustered. Each growth has two or three leaves.

Flower Size: 1.5 inches (4 cm)

Flower Description: Fragrant. Flowers are fleshy and substantial and last for a long time on the plant. The flowers have a distinct citrus-like fragrance reminiscent of tangerines. Few to many flowers are produced on a simple or lightly branched flower stalk.

Bloom Season: Spring, Summer, Fall

Growing Temperature: Cool.

Additional Information: Encyclia tuerckheimii prefers cooler, moister growing conditions than most other members of the genus. Mount on cork or grow in a slatted basket. Water frequently and keep moist but not wet. High humidity is appreciated.

Synonyms: Epidendrum tuerckheimii

Encyclia microbulbon

Encyclia microbulbon

Common Name: Small-bulbed Encyclia

Native to: Mexico. Encyclia microbulbon is native to the plateaus of the Mexican state of Chiapas where it grows between 1400 and 2400 meters in elevation on trees.

Plant Size: Miniature. The pseudobulbs are quite small and have a few leaves.

Flower Size: 0.66 inches (1.6 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers are produced on a branched inflorescence that grows to 18 inches (45 cm) in height. Few to many flowers.

Bloom Season: Late Winter to Summer

Growing Temperature: Intermediate

Additional Information: Encyclia microbulbon is a small or miniature Mexican species. Mount it on a piece of cork bark or tree fern. Provide standard Cattleya growing conditions with slightly warmer temperatures.

Synonyms: Encyclia ovula; Encyclia sisyrinchiifolia; Epidendrum microbulbon; Epidendrum ovulum; Epidendrum sisyrinchiifolium

Encyclia chiapasensis

Encyclia chiapasensis

Common Name: Chiapas Encyclia Orchid

Native to: Mexico. Encyclia chiapasensis seems to be endemic to the Mexican state of Chiapas where it grows on trees around 950 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Small to Medium

Flower Size: Small

Flower Description: This species is unique because the branched flower stem has the ability to re-bloom for many years.

Bloom Season: Spring-Summer?

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm

Additional Information: This species was discovered in the 1990s in Chiapas, Mexico. It is clearly distinct from any other Encyclia species. Grow mounted on cork and grow under standard Cattleya conditions.

Synonyms: None.