Epidendrum radicans aka Fire Star Orchid

Epidendrum radicans thrives in well-draining, open growing media rather than traditional soil. Use a mix of fine and medium orchid bark in roughly equal proportions with 15-20% coarse perlite for optimal drainage. The key is ensuring excellent drainage to prevent root rot while retaining enough moisture during active growth.

Epidendrum radicans enjoys moderate to high humidity between 50% and 80% throughout the year. While its thick leaves tolerate drier air reasonably well compared to many orchids, using a pebble tray during heating season helps prevent flower drop. Avoid misting flowers directly as this can promote botrytis (gray mold) in low-light conditions.

Apply a balanced orchid fertilizer (20-20-20 or 20-10-20) every two weeks during the growing season, diluted to half the recommended strength. Reduce fertilization significantly from September through winter to limit excessive cane growth. Calcium supplementation (Cal-Mag) benefits plants watered with purified water. During flowering, potassium-rich fertilizers like tomato feed can support bloom production.

Epidendrum radicans propagates easily through three methods: keikis (plantlets), stem cuttings, and division. Keikis that form along stems can be separated once they develop roots and potted individually. For stem cuttings, take 4+ inch sections with several nodes and place in moist orchid bark—the diagnostic feature of this species is that it produces roots along the entire stem length, making cuttings particularly successful. Division during spring repotting simply involves separating clumps with healthy roots.

Epidendrum radicans develops clambering, branching stems that reach 30-150 cm (1-5 feet) tall and can spread 60-90 cm wide. It grows rapidly and can quickly fill available space, which is one reason it's considered invasive in some tropical regions. The reed-like stems are covered with alternately arranged leaves 2-9 cm long. Mature plants produce inflorescences up to 60 cm long bearing dozens of flowers.

Epidendrum radicans thrives outdoors year-round in USDA zones 10-12, where it's commonly used in landscape beds and rock gardens. It tolerates temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) but must be protected from frost. In cooler climates, grow outdoors during warm months and bring inside before temperatures drop below 10°C. In tropical and subtropical regions, it can naturalize readily—in Hawaii, Florida, and northern Australia, it has become invasive.

Epidendrum radicans is native to Central America and northern South America, spanning Mexico through Colombia and Venezuela. Its range includes Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. In its native habitat, it grows as a terrestrial or lithophytic orchid on rocks in full sun within cloud forests at elevations of 900-2,500 meters above sea level, as well as in oak forests, semi-evergreen forests, and riparian vegetation.

Epidendrum radicans produces stunning orange-red flowers with yellowish petal tips, borne in racemose inflorescences up to 60 cm long that can carry 5 to 65+ blooms. Each flower features a distinctive cross-shaped lip (labellum), giving rise to the common name 'crucifix orchid.' The flowers are resupinate and notably lack nectar—instead, they mimic nectar-producing species to attract butterfly pollinators. Flowering occurs year-round with peak blooming from late fall through spring.

Epidendrum radicans employs a fascinating food-deception strategy for pollination. Its orange flowers produce no nectar but visually mimic rewarding species like Asclepias curassavica (milkweed) and Lantana camara. Butterflies, particularly naive migrating individuals, visit the flowers expecting nectar and inadvertently transfer pollen. Hummingbirds like the Coppery-headed Emerald also visit the flowers. Pollination rates peak during butterfly migration periods when naive pollinators are abundant.

Epidendrum radicans thrives in temperatures between 10°C and 27°C (50-80°F). Nighttime temperatures should remain above 10°C (50°F) minimum, ideally around 15-18°C (60-65°F). To encourage winter flowering, reduce temperatures to 12-15°C (54-59°F) starting in autumn. The plant cannot survive frost but tolerates a wider temperature range than most orchids, contributing to its reputation as an easy-care species.

Repot Epidendrum radicans every 2-3 years during spring, or when the growing medium has decomposed and drainage is compromised. Use a slightly larger pot with excellent drainage and fresh orchid bark mix. This species tolerates repotting well—don't worry if you accidentally damage some aerial roots (velamen), as they typically recover within a few weeks. Infrequent repotting in too-small containers can restrict growth and reduce flowering.

The species itself produces orange-red flowers, but Epidendrum radicans has been extensively hybridized with other reed-stem species like E. secundum to create compact plants with diverse flower colors including yellow, pink, red, white, and purple. Popular hybrids include 'Hawaiian Rainbow' with multicolored blooms and 'Catherine' known for large, patterned flowers. The species also has botanical synonyms including E. rhizophorum and E. pratense.

Epidendrum radicans is notably pest and disease resistant compared to other orchids. The main concerns are hard brown scale and aphids, particularly during warm flowering seasons—good air circulation usually prevents these issues. Root rot from overwatering is the most common disease problem. Other potential issues include botrytis (gray mold) on flowers in humid, poorly ventilated conditions, and occasional mealybugs, spider mites, or thrips.

Yellow leaves on Epidendrum radicans typically indicate watering issues—either overwatering causing root rot, or underwatering leading to dehydration. Check roots: healthy roots are white to green, while rotting roots are brown and mushy. Other causes include insufficient light, overfertilization, or natural aging of lower leaves. If yellowing accompanies soft, rotting stems, reduce watering immediately and improve drainage.

Drooping in Epidendrum radicans usually indicates either drought stress or root problems from overwatering. If the medium is dry and roots appear shriveled, water thoroughly and maintain consistent moisture during active growth. If the medium is soggy and roots are brown or mushy, root rot is likely—repot immediately into fresh, dry bark mix after removing damaged roots. Temperature stress from cold drafts can also cause temporary wilting.

Epidendrum radicans benefits from seasonal care adjustments. During spring through summer (active growth), water every 4-5 days and fertilize regularly. From autumn, reduce watering to every 7-8 days, decrease fertilization, and if possible, drop night temperatures to 12-15°C (54-59°F) to encourage flowering. This mimics its natural cycle of wet growing season followed by cooler, drier flowering period.

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Fire Star Orchid, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Fire Star Orchid should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Fire Star Orchid requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Rainbow Orchid will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.