Epidendrum densiflorum
Also known as: The Densely Flowered Epidendrum or Epidendrum rubrocinctum Epidendrum noackii Epidendrum polyanthum var. densiflorum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
Native to: Ecuador
General Information
The Densely Flowered Epidendrum is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Ecuador.
Plant Description
Grows to 96cm. Each new growth has numerous erect elliptic leaves that grow to 4-18cm long
Flowers
Numerous blossoms appear during Summer, Autumn and Winter
Blooming Season
- Autumn
- Summer
- Winter
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
- Charcoal
- Spaghnum Moss
- Perlite
Climate
Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 18mm to 173mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 60% to 81%, highest in October and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 10C to 26C, highest in February (12C to 26C) and lowest in January (10C to 23C).
Watering
These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.
Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydrationFertiliser
Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.
Use balanced fertiliser year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser year round. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.Potting
Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.
