Species Orchid, Epidendrum, Elliptic Epidendrum

Very vigourous orchid for mild winter/cool summer climates. Has taken brief sub freezing temps. Seems to like being potbound with overflo...Read Morewing or broken pieces rooting all over. Can be in flower at almost anytime of year more or less. Not a big flashy orchid..but a keeper!

This is one of the most abundant orchid species in South America, occuring naturally in several places and habitats, ocasionally cultivat...Read Moreed as ornamental. This is also a very variable species, with many varieties, cultivars and natural hybrids, turning it into a problematic entity. I found 17 published sinonyms for this single species, so that ilustrates well the difficulties the taxonomists find when working with this orchid.

This is an herb with an average 50cm tall stem, with no pseudobulb and alternate more or less suculent leaves. These leaves may be bright green, bronze or red, and even fleshy depending on the place.

The inflorescence comes from the top, bearing small pink flowers, with a cross shaped labellum, with a white center. Usually with 3-5 flowers at the same time that last 2 or 3 days, the inflorescence can last for almost an year producing flowers non stop. At home I followed an inflorescence that shot out over than 120 flowers. The natural variation of this species may surprise orchid collectors with their yellow, white, reddish, greenish, magenta, and other less common flower colors.

New buds are produced on the inflorescence stalk, and they can be planted after they shoot the first roots, although if you keep it on the mother plant they will bloom sooner than planted anywhere else. Also, new stems will grow all the time, demanding some room for this plant after some years.

It´s easily cultivated as an epiphyte or directly on the ground, preffering well drained soils. It only demands some hours of direct sun light, regular watering, and frost free climates. And extremely easy plant for beginners.