The Epidendrum orchid is a large genus of the orchid family. Common botanical characters have 1100 different modifications that belong to groups of epiphytes, lithophytes, or terrestrial sympodial plants. In its natural environment, the flower prefers to grow in the microclimate of subtropical and tropical latitudes, namely, in the countries of South and North America.
Description of the epidendrum
The specific forms of the epidendrum differ from each other not only in appearance, but also in size. Despite significant differences, they all have a shortened creeping shoot, which is a small branched rhizome, and hard, dense leaves, like real succulents. Foliage is located either at the top of tiny pseudobulbs in several pieces, or grows in successive order on the surface of straight thin shoots. Breeders have bred varieties that are characterized by linear-lanceolate leaves with sharp ends. In the area next to the central vein, the leaves fold slightly in half. In other species, the plates are wide and oval, concave inward and resemble a boat or scoop in outline.
Peduncles of the upper tier often consist of a group of flowers. The inflorescences look like a ball or brush. The buds are closely nestled against each other. Some varieties bear only one-flowered inflorescences or lush spikelets, which are formed from a pair of flowers. The plant boasts a rich bloom. The diameter of the largest inflorescences reaches 14 cm.On the contrary, the smallest clusters barely reach 1 cm.
The bud is formed from 3 sepals and 2 petals. In some cases, these elements of the flower are similar in color and shape. The compound lip is the third petal. The tubular lip is hidden near the leg.
Epidendrum orchid care at home
Epidendrum has not yet gained popularity among domestic gardeners, but overseas specialized stores offer consumers a wide range of similar orchids. There are both traditional types and unusual hybrid combinations. It is recommended to grow a crop for flower growers who have rich experience in handling indoor plants, since beginners in this business risk facing many difficulties when caring for a flower.
Location and lighting
The orchid is kept in a well-lit room, but at the same time, it is protected from direct scorching rays. It is better to place the flowerpot on the windowsill next to the window opening, which is built in the west or east direction. If the flower pots are left on the south side of the building, the plant is protected from the sun every day at noon.
Leaving the epidendrum next to north-facing windows would be a bad idea.Even in summer, there is a lack of natural light. To create normal conditions for growth, artificial phytolamps are installed nearby. The optimal lighting, which the culture needs, is observed at a level of 6000 lux, and the length of daylight hours is at least 10 hours. Supplementary lighting is used in the autumn-winter season, when the sun goes down quickly.
Temperature
The flower requires a moderately warm microclimate. A prerequisite is to ensure temperature drops during the day and at night. The daytime room temperature should not exceed 18-25 ° C, and the nighttime temperature should not fall below 12-16 ° C. In order for the plant to develop correctly, they try to maintain the difference in daily temperatures within 6 ° C.
In the interval from spring to early autumn, the flowerpot is allowed to be kept outside, but at the same time to monitor the weather so that night frosts come. A sharp cold snap at night threatens to freeze the culture. The stems are protected from direct sunlight and sheltered from rain. Temperature is essential if the owner wants a healthy and beautiful orchid.
Soil composition
The choice of soil is determined by the belonging of the species. Tall and large varieties, for example, rooting epidendrum, are advised to be planted in containers, and for low varieties, on the contrary, to use blocks.
The necessary soil mixture is collected from drainage (pine bark scraps), peat soil, moss and a small proportion of charcoal. A large piece of bark is used for the block. The rhizome of the flower is placed on the bark along with the roots. Moisture after watering will not evaporate so quickly if you wrap the block with a thin layer of sphagnum.
Watering
Irrigation water is preliminarily defended at room temperature. A flowerpot or block is immersed in a bowl of water. It is not recommended to use the top watering method. In this position, the container is left for 20-30 minutes. Having taken it out of the water, they wait until all the drops of water drain. Then the pot is returned to the windowsill.
The next watering is organized after the top soil layer dries out, and the drying out of the soil poses a threat to the roots.
Humidity level
The room does not have to be too humid air, it is enough for the humidity level to be in the range of 50-70%. It is easy to achieve such indicators by installing pallets with expanded clay, where a small amount of water is poured. Twice a day, the leaves must be sprayed with warm water.
How to transplant correctly
The frequency of transplantation is once every 3-4 years. The signal for replanting is soil acidification in pots or the destruction of blocks. The procedure is started after the flowering period ends.
What to feed
Fertilizer is applied every 2-3 weeks. In stores, manufacturers offer special complex formulations for orchid crops. The nutrient mixture is diluted in irrigation water, observing the dosage indicated on the package.
The plant is actively developing throughout the whole year and does not go into a dormant state.
Reproduction of the epidendrum
The method that works best for breeding has a lot to do with the type of orchid. The flower is bred by children collected from the surface of the shoot, or through the division of the rhizome. You can also root parts of an adult bush cut from the top, where airy root growths are present.
When dividing a bush, it is important to take into account that the delenki retain 3 developed pseudobulbs or shoots each. Children are disconnected from the bushes, provided that strong long roots have already formed on them.
Diseases and pests
The plant, with proper care, is rarely attacked by insects, but if the requirements for the maintenance of the culture are violated, you will have to prepare for difficulties. Pseudobulbs and root layers begin to rot as a result of soil overflow. Burns on the leaves appear when the flowerpot is constantly under the sun. Low lighting causes flowering problems.
Types and varieties of epidendrum with photo
Consider several common orchid plants, including the hybrid varieties that are cultivated in all countries of the world.
Rooting Epidendrum (Epidendrum radicans)
It belongs to lithophytes, is found in the tropical forest belt of Colombia and sometimes grows in Mexico. The flower is characterized by thin, leafless shoots and many aerial roots. The stems are often up to half a meter long. The tips of the plates appear pointed. Narrow ellipsoidal foliage. The size of the leaves does not exceed 10-14 cm.
Peduncles are crowned with clusters of spherical flowers. The petals are painted in a rich red tone. The diameter of one flower is up to 4 cm. The inflorescences are surrounded by sepals no more than 5 mm in size. Sepal borders are pointed. The widest petals resemble small diamonds, and the three-lobed lip is similar in outline to a flying bird. In the center of the lips, rectangular lush lobes stick out. The central petal has bifurcated tips. On the surface of the pharynx, it is easy to see a bright yellow speck.
Epidendrum cross or ibaguisky (Epidendrum ibaguense)
A wild orchid species commonly known in South and Central America. It is somewhat similar to the previous description, but differs in the location of the aerial roots. They surround only the axillary part of the shoot. Inflorescences of the epidendrum of the cross are painted in different shades: red, yellow or orange.
Epidendrum cilia (Epidendrum ciliare)
Natural plantings of crops are concentrated in the humid regions of Central America. The plant is of medium length, belongs to the group of epiphytes. Bulbous bulbs are covered with one or a couple of leaves. The central foliage is predominantly elongated and elliptical. The length of the plates is 15 cm. The flowering arrows at the tops are covered with racemose inflorescences. Relatively small fragrant flowers. The diameter of the largest flower reaches about 9 cm. The sepals are yellow with a green tint, the petals are narrow, lanceolate. The white lip stands out from the rest of the green. Fringed edges on the sides are dissected like shaggy feathers. The oblong lobe, which occupies the leading position, is also narrowed in the center and has a clear resemblance to a spear.
Epidendrum ivory (Epidendrum eburneum)
This is an epiphyte found in Panama and Costa Rica. Smooth and rounded shoots at the ends lengthen by 20-80 cm in accordance with the age of the orchid. Their surface is protected by a tubular shell, like a thin film left after fallen leaves. The terrestrial part of the plates is narrow and oval. The size of each leaf is about 11 cm, and the width is 2 cm. Short peduncles bear 4-6 pieces of fragrant large flowers with a diameter of about 6 cm. The very thin sepals surrounding the flower are of the lanceolate type. The color of the petals is light, close to ivory. The voluminous solid lip is like a heart. Its width is approximately 4 cm. In addition to the snow-white lip and pharynx, there is a bright yellow spot on the inflorescence.
Epidendrum sickle (Epidendrum falcatum)
Another lithophyte that can be seen in its natural environment only in a limited area is Mexico. The plant is compact in size, therefore suitable for indoor growing. The height of shoots containing small pseudobulbs with one leaf does not exceed 30 cm. Young bushes barely reach 10 cm. The diameter of separately located flowers is up to 8 cm. The sepals are white-green; the petals are also characterized by a lanceolate structure. Lip elements are wide diamonds. The border of the lip curves slightly towards the top. The central part of the calyx is belt-shaped and narrow. A yellow spot appears on the inside of the pharynx shell.
