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Epidendrum radicans
Also called Crucifix Orchid, Ground Rooting Epidendrum, Poormans Orchid, Rainbow Orchid, Reed Stem Epidendrum
Epidendrum radicans is a species of orchid native to Central America and northern South America. Common names include ground-rooting epidendrum, fire-star orchid, crucifix orchid, rainbow orchid, and reed-stem epidendrum.
The diagnostic characteristic of E. radicans is its tendency to sprout roots all along the length of the stem; other crucifix orchids only produce roots near the base. It is a frequent roadside weed at middle elevations in Central America. Its common name 'crucifix orchid' refers to the tiny cross-shaped labellum in the centre of the flower.
The plant is easily propagated from tip cuttings and pups (keikis) produced on the stems. It thrives in temperatures between 10° and 27°C (50° and 80°F) and in USDA hardiness zone 10–12, under full sun or partial shade in loamy, sandy, well-drained soil. In summers, two hours of direct sunlight may scorch and dehydrate the plant, though the soil must not remain soggy or hold water. It can tolerate low nutrient areas and it does not require extensive maintenance. It can be potted in garden beds and should be potted in large containers (infrequent repotting will restrict its growth and potential blooms). Support may be necessary for a compact, upright growth, though the stems still grow and bloom even if they droop or ramble. A slow-release fertilizer may be necessary for vitality, in addition to mulch (to reduce competition from weeds and to maintain moisture).
Pests include mealybugs, spider mites, scale, thrips, whitefly and root mealybugs.
It is distributed throughout Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Venezuela and Colombia where it is common on rocks in full sun, in the cloud forest of the mountains at altitudes of 900-2500 metres above sea level, oak forest, semi-evergreen forest, riparian vegetation and evergreen scrub.
Epidendrum adenoglossum · Epidendrum alpicola · Epidendrum alsum · Epidendrum amictum · Brown-flower butterfly orchid · Epidendrum apaganoides · Epidendrum armeniacum · Epidendrum bambusiforme · Funky Orchid · Epidendrum brachyglossum · Epidendrum brevivenium · Beautiful Blooming Epidendrum
Text excerpted from the Wikipedia article Epidendrum radicans by its contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0; the excerpts are shared under the same licence.
Life form, climate and native range: World Checklist of Vascular Plants, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (CC BY 3.0), reformatted; see Plants of the World Online.
