Photo of Epidendrum radicans by Almost Eden

Photo by Almost Eden

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Epidendrum radicans

Also Known As

  • Crucifix Orchid
  • Firestar Orchid
  • Ground-Rooting Orchid
  • Rainbow Orchid
  • Reed-Stem Epidendrum

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 24"-36"
  • W: 24"-36"

planting zones

  • 10a-12

More Options

Epidendrum radicans plant details

Epidendrum radicans is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with green foliage. In spring and summer orange flowers emerge. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with mostly sun - dappled shade and regular water. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Epidendrum radicans

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: orchidaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 24 IN - 36 IN - wide, 24 IN - 36 IN - tall
Flowers: orange blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, houseplant, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Epidendrum radicans

USDA Zones: 10a - 12
Sun exposure: mostly sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Rounded clusters of bright fiery orange flowers from which emerge a bright sunny yellow and orange speckled rolled lip creating a tube for feeding butterflies and hummingbirds. The Reed-Stem Epidendrum is truly one of the easiest to grow and flower orchids that can be grown as an informal groundcover under tropical conditions like zone 10. For us, this rewarding orchid flowers most heavily from spring through summer. Provide a well-drained soil, amend with peat moss in dry, very sandy soils. 4-5 plants per pot. As a container plant, grow the Reed-Stem Epidendrum in medium to small orchid bark although these are some of the most adaptable orchids and can be grown in most good quality soil mixes. You can also mix in volcanic rock and or expanded shale (we call it hadite). Stems that have finished flowering can be cut off near the ground or they can be allowed to pup (these are called keiki's for Epidendrums).

Gardening facts about Epidendrum radicans plant

How to Grow Epidendrum radicans

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - dappled shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • orange
  • Wildlife

    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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