Epidendrum floridense

Also known as: The Florida Epidenrum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Cuba

General Information

The Florida Epidenrum is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Cuba.

Plant Description

Grows to 6-26cm. Each new growth has numerous elliptic leaves that grow to 0.7-6.7cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.8-23cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 36mm to 246mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 73% to 79%, highest in August and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 12C to 33C, highest in August (22C to 33C) and lowest in January (12C to 26C).

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.

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

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.