Epidendrum radicans is a species of terrestrial orchid, popularly called "Rainbow Orchid" or "Fire Star Orchid". A special characteristic of this genus is the tendency to extend its roots along the entire length of the stem. It is found in Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela and Colombia.

Like other members of the Amphioglottium subgenus, Epidendrum radicans is a sympodial species, which presents stems that do not develop thickened pseudobulbs, but these are covered by nested sheaths, which extend to the basal area of ​​the apically inserted inflorescence. It is observed, particularly for the subgenus, the presence of an adnate (fused) labellum with the column - towards its apex - being trilobed, as in other members of the section Schistochila (with lacerated lobes typical of the subsections Carinata and Tuberculata).

The number of chromosomes of an individual collected in Ecuador was determined to be 2n = 60. Other data, however, indicate values ​​such as 2n = 40, 2n = 57, 2n = 62, and 2n = 64 for this species.

Common ruderal species in the lands of origin, Epidendrum radicans is frequently found as a weed along roads and on railway embankments in Central America, where it forms, together with many other members of the Schistochila section, complexes of species often confused with each other, including Epidendrum calanthe, Epidendrum cinnabarinum, Epidendrum denticulatum, Epidendrum erectum, Epidendrum fulgens, Epidendrum ibaguense, Epidendrum imatophyllum, Epidendrum incisum, Epidendrum schomburgkii, Epidendrum secundum and Epidendrum xanthinum.

Another species, external to the genus, with which it is sometimes confused due to the flowers, is Prosthechea vitelina , but a careful observation of the pseudobulbs of the aforementioned taxon is relevant for the correct diagnosis. The diagnostic criterion for Epidendrum radicans is represented by the tendency of specimens of the species to develop roots along the entire length of the stem - the other members of the group with which it can be confused, develop roots only in the basal area. As an additional factor, the radicans flowers are always resupinate (overturned), compared to members of the Epidendrum secundum complex, or to Epidendrum fulgens and other species, where this aspect is not present. At the same time, in Epidendrum radicans there is no nectar present in the flower.

The similarity with other species is not purely accidental, since radicans belongs to a complex of ruderal weeds that includes a number of taxonomically distinct, segetal and ruderal species, unrelated, but similar from an ecological point of view; also, they are pollinated by the same species of insects, live in the same habitat and are easily confused - representing a good illustration of the phenomenon of convergent evolution, in which several different species, through adaptations to the environment, come to present the same physical characteristics, under the influence of adaptive pressure.

Epidendrum radicans blooms most frequently between spring and autumn, producing terminal inflorescences between 25 and 100 cm long. The seeds of this plant are quite small, about 320 seeds per milligram. It is a native plant from the colder regions of Central America, which grows at altitudes between 500 - 2500 m, in pine and beech forests.

Unlike many other orchids, it needs direct sun if possible. Temperatures between 15 and 32 °C during the day and 10 - 21 °C at night are ideal. If the plant is kept outside, it will have to be moved inside when the frost comes.

It tolerates various types of soil and can be grown in plastic or clay pots, in a mixture of moss, perlite, sand or gravel. The pot must have holes for drainage, and the soil mixture must also ensure good water drainage. If it is kept in clay pots, it will have to be watered more often. In general, it does not need transplanting, but it is necessary to put soil at the base as it decomposes or washes away during watering.

Moisture is very important; it must be watered abundantly but never allowed to puddle.

It produces thicker flower stalks and greener leaves if it is fertilized regularly, with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Plants grown indoors become very bushy if they are fertilized with too much nitrogen.

Orchid Epidendrum radicans is amphitolerant ( which supports wide variations in pH, without affecting its growth, development and reproduction ) to temperature , being able to be cultivated successfully at a wide range of temperatures, up to close to the freezing point. It needs abundant light, frequent fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer, abundant watering , without allowing the water to stagnate, representing an easy-to-grow species for beginner enthusiasts, lacking experience or the possibility of ensuring special conditions.

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