Epidendrum cristatum 2" rose pot seedlings
Epidendrum cristatum
species - Mexico, Central and northern South America
We acquired the parents of these plants as Epidendrum raniferum, but do not know where in the plants' natural range they came from. The major difference between the 2 species seems to be that Epi. cristatum is fragrant, while Epi. raniferum is not. Kew Garden has synonymized the 2 as Epi. cristatum, so we're going with that.
These are small plants that, in time, can become quite large, but will start to bloom when they reach 18" or so. blooms are about 2" in size and occur from the top of a mature cane. As the plants mature, they will produce pendant stems of many (to about 25) long lasting, very fragrant flowers that open successively. Interestingly, when the plants are mature, they may bloom several times off the base of the same inflorescence. Because of this, their blooming season is variable.
Our parent plants are growing with temperatures between about 65 and 85+ degrees night to day, but they are adaptable to cooler temperature as well and where Winters are mild can be grown outside. They like bright indirect light with regular watering and feeding; use a liquid or water soluble plants food at half strength twice a month. As they grow, the plants will develop a large root system.
Our seedlings are established 1.5 to 2-growth plants and stand 6-8" out of the pot.
SEEDLINGS!!! NOT BLOOMING SIZE!!!