Epidendrum durangense

Epidendrum durangense

Common Name: Durango Epidendrum

Native to: Mexico. Epidendrum durangense is native to the Mexican states of Durango and Sinaloa in northern Mexico. It grows on oak trees in pine oak forests between 1100 and 1900 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Medium. Epidendrum durangense has cane-like stems that have several leaves near the top of the stem.

Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Flower Description: Flowers of Epidendrum durangense range from reddish to purple in color. The flowers develop on a drooping terminal stem. Only a few flowers are produced on each stem. All the flowers are open at one time.

Bloom Season: Summer to Fall

Growing Temperature: Warm

Additional Information: Grow Epidendrum durangense mounted on cork bark. Provide even moisture and fertilizer. Grow under warm or intermediate conditions. This species is closely related to Epidendrum anisatum and Epidendrum gladiatum but differs in fragrance and flower color.

Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum diothonaeoides

Epidendrum diothonaeoides

Common Name: Diothona-like Epidendrum

Native to: Ecuador. Epidendrum diothonaeoides grows on trees in cool, moist forests from 1500 to 3100 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Medium. Epidendrum diothonaeoides has leafy cane-like stems that form branches.

Flower Size: Over 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Flower Description: Epidendrum diothonaeoides produces few to several flowers on a terminal inflorescence. The flowers are fragrant but the odor is not very pleasant.

Bloom Season: Fall to Spring

Growing Temperature: Cool

Additional Information: This species cool-growing species grows well mounted on cork or tree fern. It may also be grown in a slatted basket or pot that drains well. Keep Epidendrum diothonaeoides evenly moist and provide nutrition frequently.

Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum denticulatum - Toothed Epidendrum

Epidendrum denticulatum

Common Name: Toothed Epidendrum
Native to: Brazil and Uruguay. Epidendrum denticulatum grows as a terrestrial orchid in dry scrub plant communities.
Plant Size: Medium to Large. Epidendrum denticulatum has upright, leafy cane-like stems that have many thick, leathery leaves.
Flower Size: Small.
Flower Description: The flowers of Epidendrum denticulatum are quite variable in color and there are many color forms available. The small flowers are produced on a terminal inflorescence that has many flowers.
Bloom Season: Late Winter to Summer
Growing Temperature: Cool to Warm
Additional Information: Epidendrum denticulatum is easy-to-grow and can develop into attractive specimens with time. Some gardeners in warm subtropical and tropical climates grow them as garden plants in the ground. Keep on the dry side and provide good drainage. Grow in sandy loam soil when placed in the garden.
Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum coriifolium - Leather-Like Leaf Epidendrum

Epidendrum coriifolium

Common Name: Leather-Like Leaf Epidendrum

Native to: Mexico and Central America south to Bolivia, Peru, and Venezuela. Epidendrum coriifolium grows in wet tropical and subtropical mountain forests from 350 to 1500 meters in elevation. It can grow on trees, rocks, or in the ground as a terrestrial orchid.

Plant Size: Medium. Epidendrum coriifolium has reed-like stems that have green leaves with purple undersides.

Flower Size: 1.5 to 2 inches (4-5 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers are large and attractive but have a rather unpleasant fragrance. A few to several large purple flowers are produced on a 10 inch (25 cm) tall flower stem that emerges from freshly maturing pseudobulbs.

Bloom Season: Winter.

Growing Temperature: Warm to Cool (Adaptable)

Additional Information: Epidendrum coriifolium is a widespread and adaptable species that is easy to grow mounted on cork or in pots. Provide even moisture and fertilizer throughout the year.

Synonyms: Epidendrum fuscopurpureum, Epidendrum imitans, Epidendrum magnibracteatum, Epidendrum palmense, Epidendrum subviolascens

Epidendrum conopseum - Greenfly Orchid

Epidendrum conopseum

Common Name: Greenfly Orchid

Native to: Florida, Mexico. Epidendrum conopseum grows on trees at low elevations. In Florida, it can be found growing in cypress swamp plant communities.

Plant Size: Small. The upright stems are reed-like and have many leaves. Roots are thick and spongy.

Flower Size: 0.75 inches (2.3 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers are borne on a simple, unbranched flower spike that grows to 6 inches (16 cm) tall.

Bloom Season: Fall to Spring

Growing Temperature: Cool to Warm (adaptable)

Additional Information: Epidendrum conopseum is called the green fly orchid because of the shape of its lip which is used to attract a pollinator. Easy to grow and common in its native habitat. Grow mounted on cork or tree fern and provide even moisture. There is a Mexican variety; Epidendrum conopseum var. mexicanum. This variety grows on trees in pine-oak forests in the mountains of Mexico between 1100 and 2000 meters in the Mexican state of San Luis Potosi.
Synonyms: Amphiglottis conopsea, Epidendrum magnoliae, Larnandra conopsea, Epidendrum magnoliae

Epidendrum citrosmum - Lemon-Scented Epidendrum

Epidendrum citrosmum

Common Name: Lemon-Scented Epidendrum

Native to: Mexico. Epidendrum citrosmum grows on trees in tropical deciduous forests that border the Pacific Coast.

Plant Size: Small. The stems are cane-like and have many leaves.

Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Flower Description: Flowers smell like lemon. The flower color of Epidendrum citrosmum is bright green and few to many flowers bloom at once on a terminal flower stem.

Bloom Season: Winter to Spring.

Growing Temperature: Warm

Additional Information: Epidendrum citrosmum is another small, reed-stem species from southern Mexico. The fragrance and attractive green flowers make this plant an interesting specimen for your collection. The scent smells more like the crushed foliage of a lemon tree rather than the scent of the fruit.

Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum cinnabarinum - Vermilion Epidendrum

Epidendrum cinnabarinum

Common Name: Vermilion Epidendrum

Native to: Brazil. Epidendrum cinnabarinum is found growing as a terrestrial plant or lithophyte in northeastern Brazil.

Plant Size: Huge. The plants with flower stems grow to 72 inches (180 cm) tall.

Flower Size: 2.5 inches (6.25 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers are unusually large for a reed-stem Epidendrum. Flowers are borne on a simple or branched flower stem that produces many flowers that open up over an extended period of time.

Bloom Season: Spring

Growing Temperature: Warm

Additional Information: This is a huge, attractive plant with large, impressive flowers. Grow in a well-drained pot and use terrestrial orchid mix for the growing medium. Provide warmth and humidity and even moisture year-round.

Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum chogoncolonchense - Cordillera Chogon-Colonche Epidendrum

Epidendrum chogoncolonchense

Common Name: Cordillera Chogon-Colonche Epidendrum

Native to: Ecuador. Epidendrum chogoncolonchense grows on trees at low elevation (200 meters).

Plant Size: Small. This is a miniature reed-stemmed species that has compressed, fleshy leaves and stems.

Flower Size: 1.25 inches (3 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers are produced in pairs on a short terminal inflorescence. Flowers are fragrant.

Bloom Season: Blooms anytime of the year.

Growing Temperature: Warm

Additional Information: Epidendrum chogoncolonchense is named for the Cordillera Chogon-Colonche mountain range in western Ecuador. Grow mounted on cork or tree fern and provide a warm, humid environment. This species is closely related to Epidendrum difforme and Epidendrum romanii.

Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum catillus

Epidendrum catillus

Native to: Columbia, Ecuador, Peru. Epidendrum catillus is found growing in Columbia's Western Cordellera as well as Ecuador's and Peru's wooded savannah regions. It grows on trees or as a terrestrial plant between 750 and 2500 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Medium. Epidendrum catillus is a reed-stem type and has fleshy canes that are clothed in leaves.

Flower Size: 1.25 inches (3 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers develop on a branched or unbranched flower stem that grows to 20 inches (50 cm) high. Several to many flowers are produced and the flowers open up over a long period of time.

Bloom Season: Year-Round

Growing Temperature: Warm to Cool

Additional Information: Epidendrum catillus is another one of several fine reed-stem species in this genus. The large plants make attractive specimens with time. Grow in pots with coarse open media and provide excellent drainage. Even water and fertilizer year-round are required.

Synonyms: Epidendrum vinosum

Epidendrum carchiense - Carchi Epidendrum

Epidendrum carchiense

Common Name: Carchi Epidendrum

Native to: Columbia and Ecuador. Epidendrum carchiense grows on trees between 1300 and 2800 meters in elevation in wet mountain forests.

Plant Size: Medium. The stems are jointed, reed-like stems with many leaves and swollen internode segments.

Flower Size: 0.75 inches (2 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers bloom all at the same time and develop from the top of a mature pseudobulb. The flower stem is short.

Bloom Season: Fall

Growing Temperature: Cool to Warm

Additional Information: Epidendrum carchiense is named after an Ecuadoran state that is near the border with Columbia where the species is locally common. Grow mounted on cork or tree fern or in a slatted basket or well-drained pot with coarse growing media.

Synonyms: None

Epidendrum campaccii

Epidendrum campaccii

Common Name: Campacci's Epidendrum

Native to: Brazil. Epidendrum campaccii grows in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo. It grows on trees at approximately 700 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Small. The stems are upright and reed-like with several leaves.

Flower Size: 0.75 inches (2 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers of Epidendrum campaccii have a strong, pleasant carnation scent. A short flower spike bears between five and eight flowers.

Bloom Season: Late Winter to Mid-fall

Growing Temperature: Cool to Warm

Additional Information: Epidendrum campaccii was named after Marco Antonio Campacci who discovered the first specimen. This is another reed-stem species. It is best grown mounted on wood, cork bark, or tree fern plaques. Keep moist but not soggy and provide typical Cattleya orchid growing conditions. Adaptable. It is not yet common in the orchid trade but the scented flowers are highly desirable.

Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum calanthum

Epidendrum calanthum

Common Name: Beautiful Blooming Epidendrum

Native to: Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru. This widespread species grows in a wide variety of habitats and is very adaptable to local conditions. Epidendrum calanthum grows on either trees or as a terrestrial plant in tropical mountain forest from 220 to 2200 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Medium to Large. The stems are reed-like and leafy.

Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Flower Description: The colorful flowers bloom on an 8 inch (20 cm) tall stem that produces many flowers that open over a long period of time. Flower stems emerge from recently matured reed-stems.

Bloom Season: Spring to Summer

Growing Temperature: Cool

Additional Information: Epidendrum calanthum is widespread and adaptable and easy to cultivate if its needs are met. Provide high humidity and ample water with bright light. Grow in a pot with a course, free-draining growing media. There are many color forms available in the trade and they are worth seeking out for specialty growers.

Synonyms: Epidendrum caucae, Epidendrum chrysostomum, Epidendrum decipiens, Epidendrum filomenoi, Epidendrum huanucoense, Epidendrum ibaguense var. confluens, Epidendrum laetum, Epidendrum paytense, Epidendrum pristes, Epidendrum schomburgkii var. confluens

Epidendrum baumannianum

Epidendrum baumannianum


Native to: Mexico south to Ecuador. Epidendrum baumannianum grows in tropical rainforests at low elevation on steep banks. Sometimes, it is found in close proximity to ant nests. It grows on trees and rocks and even occasionally as a terrestrial plant.

Plant Size: Large. Epidendrum baumannianum has upright reed-like stems that have numerous elliptical leaves.

Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Flower Description: Flowers are attractive and reasonably large and showy. The flowers open up over time for an extended bloom season and are produced on a 20 inch (50 cm) tall unbranched flower stem.

Bloom Season: Winter to Spring

Growing Temperature: Warm.

Additional Information: Epidendrum baumannianum was named in honor of a French gardener from the late 1800's. This species is closely related to Epidendrum radicans. Grow in a pot with good drainage and loose, open potting medium. Provide even moisture and moderate fertilizer. This species and its hybrids are commonly used as potted garden plants in tropical climates.

Synonyms: Epidendrum hawkesii

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 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 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 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