Epidendrum pachypodum Plant Care

Epidendrum pachypodum (Epidendrum pachypodum) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Epidendrum genus. Epidendrum pachypodum is native to Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.

Epidendrum pachypodum displays an upright, epiphytic orchid growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Epidendrum pachypodum produces colorful clusters of small, fragrant flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Epidendrum pachypodum every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Epidendrum pachypodum thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Epidendrum pachypodum in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Epidendrum pachypodum tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Epidendrum pachypodum prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Loose, well-draining orchid mix with bark and sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential for Epidendrum pachypodum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Epidendrum pachypodum every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and loose, well-draining orchid mix with bark and sphagnum moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Epidendrum pachypodum is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Epidendrum pachypodum can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Epidendrum pachypodum while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Epidendrum pachypodum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Epidendrum pachypodum can be propagated through division, back bulbs, keiki propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to crucifix orchid plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Epidendrum pachypodum is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Epidendrum pachypodum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Epidendrum pachypodum is native to Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. In cooler regions, grow Epidendrum pachypodum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.