If you’re looking for an orchid that’s both tough and beautiful, you’ve got to meet the epidendrum. These Exotic and Colorful Orchids are perfect for beginners and experts alike, offering stunning blooms with a surprisingly easy-going nature. They bring a long-lasting splash of color to any space, whether you grow them indoors or in a warm garden.
Unlike some finicky orchids, epidendrums are known for their resilience. They often grow on trees or rocks in the wild, which means they’ve adapted to thrive with a bit of neglect. This makes them a fantastic choice if you want high-impact flowers without constant fussing. Let’s look at how you can help yours flourish.
Exotic and Colorful Orchids
Epidendrums are a huge group, with over a thousand species and countless hybrids. Their flowers come in vibrant clusters and can last for months. You’ll find them in fiery reds, sunny yellows, pure whites, and soft pinks. Many have a lovely, sweet fragrance too.
Choosing Your First Epidendrum
Starting with a healthy plant is key. Here’s what to look for when you’re shopping:
- Foliage: Leaves should be firm and green, not yellowing or with black spots.
- Roots: If in a clear pot, look for plump, silvery-green or white roots. Mushy, brown roots are a bad sign.
- Growth: A plant with multiple stems or new growth (called “leads”) is actively healthy.
- Bloom Spike: Choosing one with buds just starting to open means you’ll enjoy the flowers longer.
The Perfect Home: Light and Temperature
Getting the environment right is simple. These orchids love bright light.
- Provide bright, indirect light. An east or lightly shaded south window is ideal.
- Their leaves should be a medium green. Dark green means they need more light; reddish tints mean they’re getting a bit too much direct sun.
- Most enjoy warm to intermediate temperatures. They’re happy with daytime temps of 70-85°F and a slight drop at night.
- If you live in a frost-free climate (USDA zones 9-11), many types can live outside on a tree or in a well-draining bed.
Watering Without Worry
Overwatering is the main cause of problems. Epidendrums prefer to dry out a bit between drinks.
- Water thoroughly until it runs freely from the drainage holes.
- Then, let the potting mix become nearly dry before watering again. This might be once a week or every few days, depending on your home’s heat and humidity.
- Reduce watering slightly in the winter when growth slows.
Feeding for Fantastic Flowers
A little fertilizer goes a long way to support those exotic and colorful blooms.
- Use a balanced orchid fertilizer (like 20-20-20) at half strength.
- Apply it every other week during the spring and summer growing season.
- In fall and winter, cut back to once a month or skip it entirely.
- Remember the golden rule: “Weekly, weakly.” This is better than strong, occasional doses.
Potting and The Right Mix
Epidendrums don’t need repotting often—every 2-3 years is usually fine. They actually like being a bit snug in their pot. Do it in the spring after blooming.
- Choose a pot with excellent drainage. Plastic or clay are both fine, just ensure it has holes.
- Use a loose, fast-draining orchid mix. A blend of bark chunks, perlite, and charcoal is perfect.
- Gently remove the old mix from the roots, trim any dead or mushy roots with sterile tools.
- Place the plant in the new pot and fill in around the roots with fresh mix. Don’t bury the base of the stems too deeply.
Encouraging More Blooms
The main reason these orchids might not flower is insufficient light. If your plant is healthy and growing but not blooming, try giving it more bright, indirect light. After flowering, you can cut the old spike back. Some types will produce new flower spikes from the same stem, while others will send up new stems from the base.
Consistent care is the real secret. A steady routine of light, water, and food tells the plant it’s in a good place to reproduce—which for an orchid means putting on a spectacular show.
Common Issues and Simple Fixes
Even tough plants can have occasional troubles. Here’s a quick guide:
- No Flowers: Almost always due to low light. Move it to a brighter spot gradually.
- Yellowing Leaves: Could be natural shedding of old leaves, overwatering, or sometimes too much sun.
- Wrinkled Leaves: Usually a sign of underwatering or that the roots are damaged and can’t take up water.
- Pests: Watch for scale, mealybugs, or aphids. Wipe them off with a damp cloth or use a gentle insecticidal soap.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do epidendrum orchids bloom?
Many types can bloom multiple times a year, especially in optimal conditions. Their flower spikes are long-lasting, often staying in bloom for several weeks to months.
Can I grow epidendrum orchids outside?
Yes, if you live in a warm, humid climate without freezing temperatures. They thrive mounted on trees or in well-draining garden beds with some filtered sunlight. They make a great addition to a patio in the summer in cooler zones.
Why are the leaves on my orchid turning red?
A reddish tint on the leaves is usually a “tan” from too much direct sunlight. While a little stress coloring is okay, if the leaves are becoming deeply red or purple, it’s best to move the plant to a spot with slightly less intense light to prevent burning.
What’s the difference between reed-stem and crucifix epidendrums?
Reed-stem types have tall, cane-like stems and often bloom from the top with clusters of smaller flowers. Crucifix orchids (a popular hybrid group) have shorter stems and flowers that resemble a cross, hence the name. Both are fantastic and easy to care for.
Epidendrum orchids truly prove that exotic beauty doesn’t have to be difficult. With their forgiving nature and spectacular, long-lasting flowers, they offer immense reward for a modest amount of care. By providing bright light, letting them dry out between waterings, and giving a little regular food, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying these colorful gems for years to come. They’re a wonderful gateway into the wider world of orchids, and a reliable favorite for any plant collection.