Epidendrum lloense

Also known as: The Lloa Epidendrum or Diothonea lloensis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Ecuador

General Information

The Lloa Epidendrum is a sympodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Ecuador. It is named after the town Near Quito.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 0.2-50cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 0.4-13.7cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.2-50cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss

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 9C to 24C, highest in February (11C to 24C) and lowest in January (9C to 22C).

Watering

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.