Epidendrum radicans is a terrestrial orchid species, 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 subgenus Amphioglottium, Epidendrum radicans is a sympodial species, which has stems that do not develop thickened pseudobulbs, but these are covered by overlapping sheaths that extend to the basal area of the inflorescence inserted apically. A particular feature for the subgenus is the presence of a labellum adnate (fused) to the column - towards its apex - being trilobed, as in other members of the section Schistochila (with typical lacerated lobes of the subsections Carinata and Tuberculata).
The chromosome number 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.
A common ruderal species in its native lands, Epidendrum radicans is frequently found as a weed along roads and on railway embankments in Central America, where it forms, along 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 correct diagnosis. The diagnostic criterion for Epidendrum radicans is represented by the tendency of the species' specimens 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, radicans flowers are always resupinate (upside down), compared to members of the Epidendrum secundum complex, or Epidendrum fulgens and other species, where this aspect is not present. Also, Epidendrum radicans does not have nectar present in the flower.
The resemblance to other species is not purely accidental, as radicans belongs to a complex of ruderal weeds that includes a number of taxonomically distinct species, both segetal and ruderal, unrelated but ecologically similar; they are also pollinated by the same insect species, live in the same habitat, and are easily confused - representing a good illustration of the phenomenon of convergent evolution, where several different species, through environmental adaptations, come to exhibit the same physical characteristics under the influence of adaptive pressure.
Epidendrum radicans blooms most frequently between spring and autumn, producing terminal inflorescences with lengths ranging from 25 to 100 cm. The seeds of this plant are quite small, about 320 seeds per milligram. It is a native plant from the cooler regions of Central America, growing at altitudes between 500 - 2500 m, in pine and beech forests.
Unlike many other orchids, it needs direct sunlight if possible. Ideal are temperatures between 15 and 32 °C during the day, and 10 - 21 °C at night. If the plant is kept outside, it must be moved indoors when the freezing period comes.
It tolerates varied soil types and can be grown in plastic or clay pots, in a mixture of moss, perlite, sand, or gravel. The pot must have drainage holes, and the soil mixture must also ensure good water drainage. If kept in a clay pot, it will need to be watered more often. Generally, it does not need repotting, but it is necessary to add soil at the base as it decomposes or washes away during watering.
Humidity is very important; it must be watered abundantly but never allowed to stagnate.
It produces denser flower spikes and greener leaves if fertilized regularly with a balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Plants grown indoors become very bushy if fertilized with too much nitrogen.
Epidendrum radicans Orchid is amphitolerant (which tolerates wide pH variations without affecting its growth, development, and reproduction) at temperature, being able to be successfully cultivated across a wide range of temperatures, almost down to the freezing point. It requires abundant light, frequent fertilizations with a balanced fertilizer, ample watering, without allowing water stagnation, representing an easy-to-grow species for beginner enthusiasts, lacking experience or the possibility to provide special conditions.
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