The massive Epidendrum genus contains over one thousand species of orchids that are highly diverse in growth habit, appearance, and necessary conditions. They are distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics of the Western Hemisphere, from North America to the cloud forests around the Andes Mountains. This genus is incredibly complex and has a long taxonomic history: originally, Linnaeus himself formed the genus by listing all known epiphytic orchids.


Since then, many of the original Epidendrums have been removed from the genus, and though the genus is still primarily epiphytic some modern Epidendrum orchids are terrestrial or lithophytic. The large number of species within the genus and their wide distribution means making generalizations about these plants is difficult; their flowers vary widely in size, shape, and color, different species can tolerate conditions from cloud forests to grassy slopes, and some Epidendrums are extraordinarily rare. However, lots of orchids within this genus are easy to cultivate and commonly grown, particularly the easy-to-grow reed stem varieties that are a typical choice of novice tropical orchid gardeners.

Growing Conditions

• Light: As tropical orchids, Epidendrums generally need lots of light to thrive, and with insufficient light levels they may fail to bloom. If the leaves are showing signs of stress, their light can be scaled back, but generally these orchids need hours of direct light per day.
• Water: Water regularly, more frequently during their growing season in spring than the dormant period in winter. Keep their soil moist, not soggy, to avoid damaging the roots.

• Temperature: Warm tropical temperatures are typically best for this genus, but some Epidendrums can tolerate cold or even freezing conditions.
• Soil: They grow best in soil that contains organic material, like a mixture of fine fir bark and perlite. Make sure their drainage is good as well to avoid rotting the roots.
• Fertilizer: Feed regularly, although your orchids won’t need as much fertilizer from September through about the beginning of March. A diluted 20-10-10 commercial fertilizer is best.

Propagation

This genus is so large that many orchids within it propagate differently, depending on their growth habit and structure. Generally they propagate by simple division, and many can be propagated by removing and replanting their older back bulbs to induce rooting. Some also can be propagated by aerial cuttings. When dividing any orchid, the keys are to avoid damaging the root system and to only sever divisions capable of supporting new growth.

Repotting

Again, generalizing over such a large genus is problematic, but Epidendrums will benefit from repotting. To repot any orchid, gently remove it from its old container and remove any dead material, rinsing away old medium. Then replant in another container and backfill it with an orchid potting mix, taking care to leave enough room for the roots.

Varieties

Obviously, with so many species there exists quite a bit of variety between Epidendrums. The reed stem varieties are most commonly cultivated, like E. secundum and E. cinnabarinum; these are both erect, fast-growing orchids that benefit from lots of sun and lots of fertilizer. Many others, while not usually grown, are beautiful nonetheless: for instance, E. catillus, a high-altitude plant with violet and red flowers. There are also many hybrids, both within the genus and with other genera.

Grower’s Tips

Watch out for mealybugs, slugs, and aphids if you’re growing your orchids outdoors: a good insecticide will take care of most pests. Make sure not to let them sit in water and to give them lots of light. With so many species, you’d be wise to do some research into the specific breed of Epidendrum you’re cultivating to keep it healthy—but the reed stem varieties are tropical orchids that simply need lots of sunlight, moisture, and fertilizer to thrive.