Epidendrum patens

Also known as: The Wide Open Epidendrum or Exophya fuscata in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Guadeloupe

General Information

The Wide Open Epidendrum is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Guadeloupe.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 3-60cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery rigid, elliptic, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 3.5-12cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 60cm

Flowers

Numerous long lasting blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 64mm to 234mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 77% to 85%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 16C to 28C, highest in August (19C to 28C) and lowest in January (16C to 25C).

Watering

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

Fertiliser

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. This plant is sensitive so apply fertiliser sparingly at one quarter recommended strength or less. 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.