Fire-Star Orchid

Epidendrum radicans

Also known as

Poor Man's Orchid

Epidendrum radicans 1 by Vaikoovery (CC BY 3.0)

Full Sun

Moderate care

Moderate watering

Tender

H1a

RHS hardiness

15°C

Minimum temperature

Expected size

Height		Spread
2m	Max	1m
1.5m	Min	70cm

Flowering

spring
summer
autumn
winter

This plant has no fragrance

More images of Fire-Star Orchid

Fire-Star Orchid Overview

Reed-stem Epidendrum are the ideal orchid for the novice grower because of their vivid long-lasting flowers, vigorous growth and forgiving nature. These epidendrums are floriferous – if they are reluctant to bloom, the most common cause is not enough light. They thrive with medium to high light conditions. If your orchid is receiving the ideal amount of sunlight, the foliage will be grassy green in colour. If your plant is receiving too much light, the leaves can start to turn a brownish-bronze colour. Not enough light will cause the orchid to become very tall and will keep the plant from producing flowers. Relocating the plant to a spot where it receives as much sunlight as possible and fertilising regularly should remedy the problem.

Common problems with Fire-Star Orchid

Fire-Star Orchid Companion Plants

When planting in pots they need to be in their own pot. If grown in the garden they are happy to grow alongside grasses and between rocks.

How to harvest Fire-Star Orchid

Generally not harvested

How to propagate Fire-Star Orchid

Division

Easily propagated by division of stems or offsets (new canes) that emerge from underground stems with a sharp knife.

Layering

New stems with roots develop on mature stems - break them off and replant.

Seed

Special features of Fire-Star Orchid

Indoor plant

A great inside location to place your Epidendrum is on an eastern facing windowsill. Remember to not let the orchid receive direct sunlight because this could cause sunburned leaves.

Pot plant

Pot in a well draining medium, mix a fine and medium-grade bark with perlite or coconut chips, or attach to a mount, in raised planter beds, or outside in tubs if you live in a frost-free area.

Other uses of Fire-Star Orchid

Ornamental

Epidendrum radicans make beautiful garden specimens and rewarding potted plants.