Epidendrum parkinsonianum

Also known as: Epidendrum aloifolium Epidendrum falcatum var. zeledoniae Brassavola pescatorii Coilostylis pugioniformis Epidendrum pugioniforme Coilostylis parkinsoniana in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Chiapas - Mexico Guerrero - Mexico Jalisco - Mexico Morelos - Mexico Oaxaca - Mexico Panama Veracruz - Mexico

General Information

Epidendrum parkinsonianum is a small to medium sized cool to warm growing epiphytic or lithophytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico and Panama.

Plant Description

Grows to 200cm. Each new growth has a single leaf that grows to 46cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 10cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth and forms pendant or arching growths

Flowers

Numerous long lasting, fragrant blossoms appear during Summer and Spring

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Blooming Season

• Spring
• Summer

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark

Care Notes

These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

The orchids are well adapted for hot weather, accompanied by sporadic, unpredictable rainfall and a generally dry climate. They can tolerate a lot of neglect as they are quite used to it, however they can be prone to underwatering and may collapse in cold, wet weather.

For this reason it's best to dedicate a sheltered, protected area for them where the watering can be controlled, such as a corner of a greenhouse or in a sheltered balcony. They can also do well hung near the roof of a shadehouse or sheltered greenhouse where they receive the extra heat but not as much water as other plants. 

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 170mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 55% to 75%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 7C to 29C, highest in April (14C to 29C) and lowest in January (7C to 23C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

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.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.

Potting

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Tree trunks, Fern slabs or Cork slabs.