Epidendrum pitanga

Also known as: The Red Flowered Epidendrum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bahia - Brazil

General Information

The Red Flowered Epidendrum is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil.

Plant Description

Grows to 40cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery arching, elliptic leaves that grow to 0.6-6.5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.2-40cm

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 114mm to 287mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 84% to 88%, highest in January and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 17C to 29C, highest in July (21C to 29C) and lowest in January (17C to 25C).

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.

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. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant.

Potting

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly