Easily confused with Epidendrum Aberans, Epidendrum centropetalum Rchb.f.1852 differs from it by the lateral lobes of the labellum, which are elongated, the rostrum perpendicular to the column, and by the fragrant flowers. In the case of the Centropetalum species, the lateral lobes of the labellum are much shorter and do not open as wide, the rostrum is parallel to the column, and the flowers are not fragrant.
The species was described by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach in 1852, a botanist (Dresden, January 3, 1823 - Hamburg, May 6, 1889) and by far the most renowned German orchidologist of the 19th century, like his father, Heinrich Gottlieb Ludwig Reichenbach, author of the work "Icones Florae Germanicae et Helveticae".
South American botanical species belonging to the Oestredella group, Centropetalum subgroup, which also gives it its name, Epidendrum Centropetalum originates from Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, from low, evergreen humid forests, equally found in forests of partially deciduous trees, on mountain slopes facing the Pacific Ocean, or even in fruit orchards near human settlements, at altitudes between 1200 and 1500 m. It inhabits areas with strong or partial sunlight.
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Delicate species, small to medium-sized, Epidendrum Centropetalum reaches heights of 30 - 60 cm, with thin stems that produce keikis along them and with glossy linear-lanceolate leaves, 2-9 cm long. Flowering occurs from late winter to early summer, in the form of terminal inflorescences, with multiple flowers, of considerable size (1.5 - 2 cm diameter), compared to the size of the plant itself. Both petals and sepals have similar sizes, and the large, wide labellum of the same color, together with the rest of the corolla, provides an attractive color contrast with the basal area colored in white.
The light radiation necessary for the efficient cultivation of this botanical species must belong to the range of 25000 - 300000 lux, provided that efficient ventilation is ensured to prevent overheating and the occurrence of sunburn.
Thermally, Epidendrum Centropetalum fits into the moderate range, with relatively constant temperatures throughout the year, ranging between 22 - 25 ℃, with minimums of 13 - 15 ℃.
It is recommended to maintain a humidity of 80 - 85% during summer, then to reduce it to about 70% during winter.
The species grows well on substrates made of branches, bark, or cork, if adequate humidity can be ensured, provided daily watering is given during summer. When grown in pots or similar containers, a substrate that is very loose, with high drainage and drying capacity, allowing free access to the root zone of the plants, will be chosen. Replanting is recommended as soon as new roots are observed. Types of substrate will consist of mixtures of very fine bark, coconut fibers, and perlite.
Irrigation will be abundant from early spring until autumn, when natural rainfall is plentiful, to be reduced from winter until early spring, but not significantly. Frequent watering is especially recommended during the active growth period of the plants, but it is necessary to ensure rapid drying of the roots, which is why planting this species in baskets with perforated walls is recommended. At the end of the growth period, late autumn, irrigation will be reduced.
Fertilization will be done weekly, at concentrations of 25 - 50% of the recommended dose, using a nitrogen-rich fertilizer from spring until mid-summer and opting for one rich in phosphorus during the flowering period, from the second half of summer until autumn.
Rest period will be ensured in winter, when watering will be reduced and humidity levels will be low, but without allowing the substrate to dry out for a long time. During this period, fertilization will also be reduced and possibly stopped, which can be resumed at the start of the usual irrigation schedule, with the arrival of spring.
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