Epidendrum secundum

Also known as: All the Flowers In One Plane Epidendrum or Epidendrum secundum h.f. flavum Epidendrum secundum h.f. album Epidendrum secundum h.f. xanthinum Epidendrum versicolor Epidendrum polyschistum Epidendrum novogranatense Epidendrum inconstans Epidendrum herzogii Epidendrum gracilicaule Epidendrum giroudianum Epidendrum cuzcoense Epidendrum coroicoense Epidendrum dolichopus Epidendrum bulkeleyi Epidendrum brachyphyllum Epidendrum antioquiense Epidendrum tarmense Epidendrum rubroticum Epidendrum longihastatum Epidendrum incisum Amphiglottis lacera Epidendrum corymbosum var. latifolium Epidendrum lacerum Epidendrum crassifolium var. albescens Epidendrum elongatum ssp. rubrum Amphiglottis secunda Epidendrum calanthum var. rubrum Epidendrum brachiophyllum Epidendrum elipticum Epidendrum elongatum Epidendrum secundum h.f. alba Epidendrum ansiferum Epidendrum sulfuratorium Epidendrum tricallosum Epidendrum secundum f. albescens Epidendrum secundum var. albescens in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Brazil Cajamarca - Peru Ecuador Guyana

General Information

All the Flowers In One Plane Epidendrum is a large cool to warm growing epiphytic or terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Guyana.

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 81mm to 244mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 77% to 89%, highest in June and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 5C to 19C, highest in February (8C to 19C) and lowest in September (5C to 17C).

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

These plants do well with slow release fertiliser at the rate of 2-3 pellets per cup (250ml) of media. Additional fertiliser during the growth period may be beneficial, but not necessary.

Potting

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.

This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.