epidendrum-falcatum

This epiphyte is very interesting ,and not only when in bloom :its unusual looking overhanging tufts of long leaves will undoubtedly spruce up any collection. And any orchid lover is bound to fall for them when they are accompanied by the snow-white flowers with their strangely positioned lips ! The species E. falcatum used to be under the name Auliza parkinsoniana. Narrow lanceolate fleshy leaves reaching lengths of up to 12 in/30 cm grow out of the rudiments of the intensely reduced pseudobulbs . No more than 3 large white flowers can be admired on the shorter flower spike . The lip turns somewhat yellow in time .It is three -lobed -the two lateral lobes are oval ,the middle one is slim and pointed . Cultivation is easy ;it is more of a proble to acquire this fairly rare and highly valued species with low propogation ability in the first place . Grow the plant as you would other thermophilic orchids ,that is ,epiphytically on a slab of bark(cork oak is recommended )in semi-shade. The plant easily tolerates being placed in small,poorly ventilated epiphytic cases . It blooms in high summer and was discovered in Mexico ,Guatemala,Honduras,Costa Rica and Panama.