Epidendrum verrucosum

Also known as: The Warty Epidendrum or Epidendrum verrucosum h.v. verrucosum Oerstedella verrucosa h.f. alba Oerstedella verrucosum h.v. myrianthum Epidendrum verrucosum var. majus Oerstedella hansenii Epidendrum verrucosum h.f. album Amphiglottis verrucosa Oerstedella verrucosa Oerstedella verrucosa var. hansenii Epidendrum verrucosum var. hansenii in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Belize Chiapas - Mexico Guatemala Honduras Jamaica

General Information

The Warty Epidendrum is a sympodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Belize, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Jamaica. The name refers to the warty sheaths on the stem.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 0.3-300cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 0.5-21cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.2-4cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 112mm to 335mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 80% to 87%, highest in July and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 10C to 25C, highest in April (15C to 25C) and lowest in January (10C 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.

During Spring, ensure the media does not dry completely out 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. 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 to Stone slabs. Repotting is best done annually.