Epidendrum longipetalum

Also known as: The Long in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Hidalgo - Mexico Nuevo León - Mexico Oaxaca - Mexico Puebla - Mexico

General Information

The Long is a warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico.

Plant Description

Grows to 0.45cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery elliptic, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 1.8-9.5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.25-9cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 8mm to 180mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 48% to 72%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 6C to 25C, highest in April (12C to 25C) and lowest in January (6C to 20C).

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.