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Here are some more information for Epi Fluorescence:

The Epidendrum Orchid

The epidendrum orchid or epi is considered as a mega-genus within the orchid family, since it has more than 1,100 species. Its name is called after their epiphytic growing habit, although not all epidendrums live upon trees and are not epiphytes at all.

This genus was established by Carolus Linnaeus in 1763 by including all the epiphytes orchids that he knew at that time. Later it was determined that some of the species were not epiphytes and belongs to other species or subspecies. At present, there are more than about 2,000 names (including the 1,100 accepted ones), where more than 1,000 names have been divided into other new or revived genera. According to some estimation, there are still about 2,000 types of epidendrum orchids out there that have not been discovered yet.

Most of these orchids are native to tropical and subtropical areas in America and Asia. The majority of epidendrums are epiphytes, but some of them are terrestrial orchids that live on grounds and a bit rare of lithophytics that live on rocks. They can be found in tropical forests to humid jungles. They could also live on sunny green slopes to cool shady forests. Hence, epidendrums are considered as enduring orchids.

Although you can mostly find them in tropical areas, but some types are able to thrive in cool conditions including the E. radicans. Anoter orchid, the E. conopseum can even tolerate continuous freezing condition such in Auckland. In such lower temperature this orchid will still bloom during the whole year.

The flower size and form comes in several varieties. They can bloom in clumps or in the form of unbranched inflourescences (= receme), and sometimes also in compound receme (= panicle) or in panicles where the lower flowers possess longer stems. The flowers on top, lateral and lower side are usually small to medium sized and are often unnoticeable

A lot of epidendrums are known to possess pleasant fragrance, which is a reason for keeping this type of orchid. E. aromaticum is one of those fragrant orchids that bloom from summer to fall. E. cochleatum is another fragrant orchid that will also bloom during summer to fall, but it needs a warmer temperature. While some other species such us E. moyobambae and E. radiatum will thrive during spring to summer.

Other than fragrance, epidendrum has very minimum traits to offer. The flowers are not quite demanded due to their small size and unattractiveness compared to other orchid types. However, there some types that are quite beautiful and can be considered as one of your collection, the E. radicans for instance.

E. radicans is a weed-like orchid that lives along the roadsides in Central America. The flaming-red flowers bloom at the end of a fluorescence which is about 15 inches long. This blooming could last for quite along time in warm to cool temperatures on a growing media of terrestrial orchid-mix.

Another attractive orchid from this genus is the E. pfavii, which is also called by the ‘purple gum drop'. It is native to Costa Rica that grows with an upright cane which could reach a height of 4 feet tall. A large quantity of pink to purple flowers will bloom at the top of the cane. You can cultivate it on barks as well as in coarse and well drained media. This orchid does need fertilizer for optimum results.

Another positive factor to consider is that epidendrums are easy to proliferate. One stem could yield many plants with a wide range of tolerable and growing conditions. These breed are best grown in a compost-mix of bark, sphagnum moss and tree branch fiber. They are able to tolerate a temperature as high as 100ºF without showing any suffering.

As a final say for this epidendrum orchid, knowing some species with pleasant fragrance and beautiful cluster flowers, plus its enduring (‘stubborn' seems to be a more appropriate word), easy to care characteristic, I would consider epidendrum orchid as worthy to be included into your orchid collection.

About the Author

Uno Birawan is a writer and wrote a lot on how to care for orchids. You also can obtain more information about Epidendrum orchid and others or you can visit his site www.theorchidpot.com to share more valuable information on caring orchids

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