Epidendrum radicans 'Crimson'

Epidendrum radicans 'Crimson’ is a selection of Epidendrum radicans, valued for its vigorous stems and abundant inflorescences. It is an orchid suited to a very bright location, balcony, or sheltered terrace during the summer.

About this plant

Epidendrum radicans is a terrestrial orchid species, commonly known as the “Rainbow Orchid” or “Fire Star Orchid”. 
A special characteristic of this genus of orchids is its tendency to spread 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 subgenus Amphioglottium, radicans is a sympodial species with stems that do not develop thickened pseudobulbs, but are covered with overlapping sheaths that extend to the basal area of the inflorescence inserted at the apex.
Particularly characteristic of this subgenus is the presence of a labellum adnate (fused) to the column toward its apex. The labellum is trilobed, as in other members of the Schistochila section, with lacerated lobes typical of the Carinata and Tuberculata subsections. 
The chromosome number of an individual collected in Ecuador was determined to be 2n = 60. However, other data indicate values of 2n = 40, 2n = 57, 2n = 62, and 2n = 64 for this species. 
Height including pot: approx. 50 cm

This variety reblooms repeatedly on the same stem—do not remove stems with spent flowers.

Quick care guide

• Light: plenty of light; gentle morning sun or bright filtered light.
• Watering: water when the surface of the substrate begins to dry; do not allow water to stagnate.
• Temperature: it can stay outdoors in summer after acclimatization, but protect it from prolonged cold and frost.
• Substrate and stems: airy mix with good drainage; do not cut aerial roots or green stems.

For detailed explanations about flowering, repotting, and problems, read the complete Epidendrum radicans guide.