Epidendrum aka Star Orchid

Epidendrum, also known as Epi in the horticultural trade, is a large neotropical genus of the orchid family. It is considered a mega-genus, with over 1,500 species. The name Epidendrum comes from the Greek words "epi" and "dendron," meaning "upon trees," which reflects its epiphytic growth habit. When Carl Linnaeus first named this genus in 1763, he included all epiphytic orchids known to him, although few of these are still classified as Epidendrum. These orchids have oval to strap-shaped leaves and reed-like stems. They bear terminal clusters of flowers in colors ranging from orange, red, yellow, to white. The flowers are small, measuring 1-2cm across, with narrow petals and sepals and prominent lips. They bloom from winter into spring. Epidendrum orchid plants are diverse and unique. They encompass over 1,000 varieties of sub-tropical to tropical plants. Most of them are not suitable for outdoor growing and thrive in greenhouses or indoors. These plants are predominantly epiphytic, living suspended from trees or cliffs with minimal soil. Some are terrestrial but still flourish in low nutrient media. The forms of Epidendrums vary greatly, with some producing pseudobulbs and others having cane-like stems. The flower petals' color and shape vary depending on the cultivar, but most feature a characteristic three-lobed lip at the base of the flower that closes inward.