Epidendrum radicans XL
€14,95
Full description and specifications
Epidendrum radicans is a species of terrestrial orchid, popularly called "Rainbow Orchid" or "Fire Star Orchid".
A special characteristic of this type of orchid 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, radicans is a sympodial species that 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 a labelum adnate (fused) with the column, towards its apex. The labellum is 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.
Pot diameter 12 cm
Height with pots included 60-70 cm Ruderal species common in the lands of origin, it 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, species complexes often confused with each other, including E. calanthe, E. cinnabarinum, E. denticulatum, E. erectum, E fulgens, E. ibaguense, E. imatophyllum, E. incisum, E. schomburgkii, E. secundum and E. 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 above-named taxon is relevant for the correct diagnosis.
The diagnostic criterion for E. radicans is represented by the tendency of the representatives of the species to develop roots along the entire length of the stem, compared to the other members of the group with which it can be confused, which develop roots only in the basal area. As an additional factor, the radicans flowers are always resupinate (overturned), compared to the members of the Epidendrum secundum complex, or to E. 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 of the species with other species is not purely coincidental, 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, up to the fact that 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 and produces 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, Epidendrum radicans needs direct sun if possible. It is best at temperatures between 15 and 32 °C during the day, and 10 - 21 degrees Celsius at night. If the plant is kept outside, it will have to be moved inside when the frost comes.
This orchid species 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 the plant is kept in a clay pot, it will have to be watered more often.
In general, this orchid does not need transplanting, but it is necessary to put soil at the base as it is decomposed or washed away during watering. Moisture is very important for Epidendrum radicans.
The orchid must be watered abundantly, never let it stagnate. It produces thicker flower stems and greener leaves if fertilized regularly with a balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Plants grown indoors become very bushy if they are fertilized with too much nitrogen.
The species is amphitolerant 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 ability to ensure special conditions. Genus/Type: Epidendrum/Encyclia
A special characteristic of this type of orchid 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, radicans is a sympodial species that 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 a labelum adnate (fused) with the column, towards its apex. The labellum is 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.
Pot diameter 12 cm
Height with pots included 60-70 cm Ruderal species common in the lands of origin, it 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, species complexes often confused with each other, including E. calanthe, E. cinnabarinum, E. denticulatum, E. erectum, E fulgens, E. ibaguense, E. imatophyllum, E. incisum, E. schomburgkii, E. secundum and E. 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 above-named taxon is relevant for the correct diagnosis.
The diagnostic criterion for E. radicans is represented by the tendency of the representatives of the species to develop roots along the entire length of the stem, compared to the other members of the group with which it can be confused, which develop roots only in the basal area. As an additional factor, the radicans flowers are always resupinate (overturned), compared to the members of the Epidendrum secundum complex, or to E. 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 of the species with other species is not purely coincidental, 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, up to the fact that 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 and produces 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, Epidendrum radicans needs direct sun if possible. It is best at temperatures between 15 and 32 °C during the day, and 10 - 21 degrees Celsius at night. If the plant is kept outside, it will have to be moved inside when the frost comes.
This orchid species 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 the plant is kept in a clay pot, it will have to be watered more often.
In general, this orchid does not need transplanting, but it is necessary to put soil at the base as it is decomposed or washed away during watering. Moisture is very important for Epidendrum radicans.
The orchid must be watered abundantly, never let it stagnate. It produces thicker flower stems and greener leaves if fertilized regularly with a balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Plants grown indoors become very bushy if they are fertilized with too much nitrogen.
The species is amphitolerant 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 ability to ensure special conditions. Genus/Type: Epidendrum/Encyclia