Epidendrum

Epidendrum radicans

Fire Star Orchid

A terrestrial-to-epiphytic orchid from sunny, open slopes across Central and northern South America, often rooting in loose, fast-draining ground. It wants bright indirect light and an airy, coarse mix that never stays soggy at the roots. Water when the top inch of the mix has dried and the roots look pale rather than green, then let it approach dryness again before the next watering.

Epidendrum secundum

Lopsided Star Orchid

Epidendrum secundum is an epiphytic orchid from the warm, humid Caribbean and northern South American tropics, where its roots cling to bark and drain fast after rain. Grow it in an open, airy orchid mix or mounted, with bright indirect light and good airflow. Water when the roots have gone silvery and the medium is nearly dry, roughly every 5 to 10 days, and never let it sit wet.

Epidendrum obrienianum

O'Brien's Star Orchid

A reed-stemmed Epidendrum orchid grown as an upright subshrub, this hybrid wants bright indirect light and a coarse, fast-draining medium that never stays soggy at the roots. Water when the top inch of mix has dried, then let it approach dryness again before the next watering; its thick stems and roots store moisture and rot if kept wet. Steady airflow and moderate household humidity suit it well.