Epidendrum fruticosum

A shrubby, branching reed-stem orchid from the cloud forests of Central America, with distinctively pigmented dark stems and erect spikes bearing well-spaced flowers with lanceolate spreading sepals, narrow petals, and a trilobed lip with a broad, emarginate central lobe. The bushy, multi-branched habit makes it an architecturally interesting specimen even outside of bloom.

• Light: Bright indirect light with 50–60% shade cloth; avoid direct midday sun, which can scorch the foliage.
• Temperature: 54–72°F (12–22°C); an intermediate-cool grower that benefits from mild days and cool nights with good air movement.
• Humidity: 70–85%; consistent humidity supports vigorous branching growth and reliable flowering.
• Watering: Water thoroughly and allow the substrate to approach dryness between waterings; avoid prolonged saturation at the roots.

Additional Notes

Best grown in a well-draining bark-based mix in a generously sized pot to accommodate the branching habit. Ships bare root, well-established.