Epidendrum - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Epidendrum is a diverse neotropical genus that has flowers characterized by a frilly or fringed lip. This feature is occasionally diagnostic to distinguish between species. These orchids are widely cultivated and may be hybridized with Sophronitis, another South American genus. The flowers are usually small and delicately colored, and borne on a dense inflorescence. Many species have a fragrance.

Epidendrum is one of the largest and most diverse orchid genera, containing more than 1,500 species native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. These orchids range from tiny epiphytes growing on tree branches to large terrestrial species that thrive in the ground. They are valued for their colorful flowers, adaptability, and ease of cultivation compared to many other orchid groups.

Among the most popular species are the Reed-Stem Epidendrums, including Epidendrum radicans and its hybrids. These orchids form upright cane-like stems topped by clusters of brightly colored flowers in shades of orange, red, pink, yellow, lavender, and purple. Individual stems may carry dozens of blooms, creating a long-lasting display above the foliage.

Unlike many orchids that require specialized potting media and greenhouse conditions, reed-stem Epidendrums are remarkably easy to grow. They tolerate heat, humidity, bright sunlight, and a wide range of garden conditions. In warm climates they often bloom repeatedly throughout the year and can be grown directly in the landscape.

One of the defining characteristics of many reed-stem Epidendrums is their ability to produce roots along their stems. These rooted stems can be divided and replanted, allowing plants to spread into large clumps over time. Because of this vigorous growth habit, many gardeners begin with a single plant and eventually develop colorful colonies.

Epidendrums are excellent plants for attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Their bright flowers stand out from a distance and provide color for extended periods when many other flowering plants are not in bloom.

In tropical and subtropical gardens, Epidendrums are commonly used along walkways, patios, borders, and mixed flower beds. Their upright habit allows them to add height and color without overwhelming neighboring plants.

Growing conditions:

USDA Zones: Generally 9b-11, depending on species

Light: Full sun to partial sun

Soil: Well-drained soil or orchid mix, depending on species

Water: Moderate moisture with good drainage

Growth habit: Clumping, reed-forming, terrestrial or epiphytic depending on species

Flower colors: Orange, red, pink, yellow, lavender, purple, and white

Bloom season: Often repeated throughout the year in warm climates

Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and pollinating insects

Fun facts:

The name Epidendrum comes from Greek words meaning "upon trees," reflecting the fact that many species grow naturally on tree branches.

Epidendrum is one of the largest orchid genera in the world, with more than 1,500 recognized species.

Reed-stem Epidendrums are among the easiest orchids for beginners to grow.

Many species naturally produce roots along their stems, making propagation simple.

Some species are known as Crucifix Orchids because of the tiny cross-shaped structure in the center of the flower.

In Florida, reed-stem Epidendrums are often grown as landscape plants rather than houseplants.

See Orchid page for pictures of different orchids and care info.

See video about Ground Orchids.

Due to their large size, plants are rarely found in cultivation outside botanical institutions.

Require plenty of water and high humidity during the growing season. Less water is required during the cooler months.

The bamboo orchid, Arundina graminifolia, is a species of orchid and the sole accepted species of the genus Arundina. This tropical Asiatic genus extends from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, the Ryukyu Islands, Malaysia, Singapore, China to Indonesia, the Philippines and New Guinea. It has become naturalized in Reunion, Fiji, French Polynesia, Micronesia, the West Indies, Costa Rica, Panama and Hawaii.

Arundina graminifolia is a terrestrial, perennial orchid with reedy stems, forming into large clumps. This orchid blooms in summer and autumn, showing rather open clusters of showy terminal flowers, ten at the most. They bloom in succession on the terminal racemes. These flowers are a rosy lilac and white disk with a purple lip. The bracts are wide triangular and surround the main stalk of the flower cluster. The occasional fertilized seed pods contain minute powdery seeds, and small plants often develop near the cane ends after flowering, and likely aid in propagation if allowed to reach the soil.

With only 200 of the plant to be recorded growing naturally in Singapore, the species is close to extinction there, largely caused by the destruction of its natural habitat, namely the rainforests and mangrove forests. The remaining plants, commonly called Tapah weeds, can be found in the secondary forests or at the forest fringes. It is however very common in road cuts and other disturbed areas in full sun in Sarawak, East Malaysia, where it often is the most common flowering plant to be seen along the roadsides.

Bamboo Orchid produces pinkish flowers at the top of tall cane-like pseudobulbs. It's the only species in the genus. The plants are quite tall; they'll reach at least hip level, possibly over your head, and their vegetative resemblance to bamboo can be uncanny. The long pseudobulbs have leaves alternating along their length, similar to Epidendrum orchids. The flower stems, which emerge from the top of the canes, produce several flowers sequentially, so that there will be one at a time over an extended period. The flowers are white with a purple-to-pink lip, and shaped similarly to a Cattleya orchid flower. They are 2-3 inches across, and can appear for much of the year, especially in summer.

Arundinas readily propagate themselves by keikis, which frequently develop along the pseudobulbs. Once a keiki has roots a couple inches long (several cm), you can carefully cut it off and pot it separately. The canes do not grow rigidly upright, they'll sometimes tip over; in nature, this allows the keikis to get established nearby, so it's a major vegetative propagation strategy for these plants; it helps them rapidly grow into large clumps. These plants like colonizing disturbed habitats, often growing as roadside weeds in much of Southeast Asia; being able to grow quickly helps them succeed in such places.

These plants are tough: they are quite robust and forgiving of less-than-attentive care. They are terrestrial orchids, so they like a denser potting mix than most orchids. It should still drain freely, however, and not be as dense as soil. A good starting point is equal parts sand, sphagnum moss, and fine fir bark. Bamboo orchids should be watered as they approach dryness; don't let them dry out too thoroughly. If you grow them outdoors, either if you live in a warm climate or if you just brought it outdoors for the summer, rainfall might water it often enough in some areas; but if it's starting to dry out water it thoroughly. If you grow orchids indoors, these plants are often too big to take to the sink; the easiest way to water will often be to dunk the pot in a bucket, then pull it out. Any aerial roots, such as on keikis, should be misted regularly. Fertilize regularly; the usual recommendation is to use a fertilizer especially formulated for orchids feeding weakly. Most orchid fertilizers are designed to be dissolved in the plant's water. They like high light: 2000-3000 footcandles is ideal, similar to the low end of Cattleya lighting. In nature, they commonly grow in direct sunlight. As long as the lighting isn't too dim you're probably fine. If it doesn't bloom, try increasing the lighting. You'll get the best results growing them at warm temperatures. It's OK if the temperature varies more widely than this; they can actually withstand mild freezes occasionally, though it's quite stressful for them. Any temperature that's reasonably comfortable (or a bit hot and muggy) for humans is going to be fine for bamboo orchids. They like good humidity, perhaps 70%, though this isn't critical. If the humidity is low, the plant should be misted regularly, especially if it has any keikis.

See video about Ground Orchids.