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.