Epidendrum falcatum

Also known as: Epidendrum lactiflorum Epidendrum parkinsonianum var. falcatum Coilostylis falcata Encyclia falcata in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Durango - Mexico Guerrero - Mexico Oaxaca - Mexico Puebla - Mexico Sinaloa - Mexico

General Information

Epidendrum falcatum is a large sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic or lithophytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 44cm. Each new growth has a single erect leaf that grows to 1.5-40cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.5-4cm

Flowers

Numerous long lasting, fragrant blossoms appear during Spring

Fragrance

The orchid is most fragrant during the night. The fragrance can be described as strong and sweet

Blooming Season

• Spring

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 0mm to 132mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in December. Temperature ranges from 8C to 28C, highest in April (14C to 28C) and lowest in January (8C to 24C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

Fertiliser

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 during Spring and Summer. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs.