Epidendrum megalospathum

Also known as: The Large Sheath Epidendrum or Epidendrum puberulosum Diothonea sodiroi Diothonea megalospatha in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento del Huila - Colombia Ecuador

General Information

The Large Sheath Epidendrum is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia and Ecuador. The name refers to the terminal, large spathe that the inflorescence arises through.

Plant Description

Grows to 30cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 1.7-4cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 30cm. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 46mm to 274mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 77% to 84%, highest in November and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 11C to 24C, highest in August (13C to 24C) and lowest in January (11C to 21C).

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. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. 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.