Epigeneium amplum

Also known as: The Large Epigeneium or In Thailand - Krachieng - Sithieng in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bhutan China India Loei - Thailand Nepal

General Information

The Large Epigeneium is a cool to warm growing epiphytic or lithophytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Bhutan, China, India, Thailand, and Nepal.

Plant Description

Grows to 12-17cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery oblong shaped leaves that grow to 4.5-15cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.3-5cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Flowers

A single long lasting, fragrant blossom appears

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Substrate(s)

• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss

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. 

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 224mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 59% to 82%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 5C to 30C, highest in April (17C to 30C) and lowest in January (5C to 23C).

Watering

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. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. 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

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. Repotting is best done annually.