Epidendrum
Common Name: Orchid
Family: Orchidaceae
Zones: 17, 21-24; or indoors.

Epidendrums are also known as the poor man's orchid. They were given this name for several reasons: they were affordable and widely available during times when most orchids could be cultivated only by the wealthy; they are easily propagate, accommodating many plants on one stem; and they are tolerant to a wide range of growing conditions, including the outdoors. They are also relatively free of insects and tend to flower reliably throughout the year. The Epidendrum has an upright, clumping growth habit. It readily forms keikis on old flower spikes. Its leafy stems range from 1 to 30 inches, producing a ball of 30 to 40 brilliantly colored 1 inch flowers on 18 inch terminal spikes. The colors range from white to yellow, pink, orange and purple, and all shades in between.

A well-grown Epidendrum produces abundant spikes all year. It benefits greatly from fertilizer and thrives when grown in full sun, in a rich, fast draining humus mix. It will tolerate temperatures down to freezing for brief periods, but not below. When watering be sure to keep the roots moist year round, but do not let the plant sit in water.

Cuttings ie: Keikis Available