Epidendrum heterodoxum

Also known as: The Different Epidendrum or Epidendrum caracasanum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Different Epidendrum is a sympodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 30cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped oblong shaped leaves that grow to 3-14cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 30cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant. The fragrance can be described as faint

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 10mm to 109mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 73% to 83%, highest in November and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 8C to 22C, highest in April (11C to 22C) and lowest in January (8C to 18C).

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 dehydration

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

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.