Epidendrum orchids

Epidendrum is one of the largest New World orchid genera, with over a thousand species ranging from the southern United States through Central and South America into Argentina. Growth habits vary widely, from reed-stemmed upright growers (the familiar "reed-stem" or "crucifix" Epidendrums often seen in tropical gardens) to pseudobulbous epiphytes to small twig-growing miniatures. The genus has been narrowed by several taxonomic revisions, with species frequently moved to Encyclia, Prosthechea, and other splits.

The reed-stem Epidendrums are tough garden plants in warm climates, producing perpetual clusters of small starry flowers in reds, oranges, purples, yellows, and white. They bloom almost continuously and propagate easily from cuttings or keikis.

General care for the genus (species, hybrids and cultivars vary, so check with the grower for a specific plant): bright light (2,500 to 4,000 footcandles), warm temperatures, regular watering during growth, moderate humidity (50 to 65 percent). Reed-stem types do well planted out in warm-climate gardens; pseudobulbous species prefer pots with medium bark.

Well-known species include Epidendrum radicans (the "fire-star orchid", a common reed-stem in landscaping), Epidendrum ibaguense, Epidendrum parkinsonianum, and Epidendrum stamfordianum. Listings below come from the nurseries we index, most of them re-checked nightly; prices are shown in USD.