Epiphytic Orchids
The flowers from this group of orchids is what most people visualize
when they think of orchids. An epiphyte is nothing more than a plant
which grows attached to another living plant. They are not parasites
and draw no nutrition from the host. Since they require no actual soil
for their root system the hobbyist can easily mount and grow this group
of orchids on pieces of wood, cork or other porous material.
This group produces some of the most beautiful and fragrant flowers of all the orchid species. There are literally thousands of naturally occuring species and thousands more hybrids created by growers and hobbyists. Here we offer you a selection of some of the smaller hard to find true species which will produce the same flowers you would see them in their natural habitat. Browse through our Orchid selections below and click on any image to see a close up.
Aerangis luteo-alba, var. rhodosticta
This is a neat little epiphytic orchid native to equatorial Africa. It is found primarily in the Cameroons and the Congo Republic in the west, through the central and
western forests of Uganda to Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya in the east. It has also been found at elevations of 3000-5000 ft. on Mt. Kenya and Mt. Elgon.
It grows in areas that are never subjected to drought conditions and often near waterfalls.
It typically grows in warm, moist conditions, nearly always in the rainforests along the rivers.
Usually found growing on twigs or branches of small shrubs. It is sometimes found growing directly on tree trunks.
Flower size is 1 to 1.25 inches and the lance shaped leaves are about 3 inches long.
Requires shady, warm and humid conditions. Makes a great terrarium orchid.
Sold as a small, blooming size plant mounted on cork bark but not in bloom.
Item # AELUT3 Status: In Stock Price: $20.00 ea.
Baptistonia echinata
A beautiful mini orchid species native to the Brazilian rainforests. It grows as an epiphyte.
Grows best in low to medium light or a shaded spot.
Baptistonia is an intermediate to hot growing species and can grow in temperatures from 50 F to 85 F.
Requires high humidity. Makes a great terrarium specimen.
The leaves are about 3 inches long.
Mature pseudo bulbs send up a 4-5 inch spike which bears several 1 inch flowers.
Sold as a blooming size plant mounted on cork bark but not in bloom.
Item # BAPT07 Status: In Stock Price: $20.00 ea.
Bulbophyllum lepidum
An unusual orchid which forms multiple dark red ‘slipper-like’ flowers with lips that move with a breeze.
This is a small epiphytic species with 3-4 inch leaves.
Native to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia to Borneo and the Philippines.
Warm growing. Spring and Summer blooming.
Sold as a blooming size plant mounted and well established on a piece of cork bark.
The plant is blooming age but not shipped in flower.
Item # TP-OBLEP3 Status: In Stock Price: $20.00 ea.
Dendrobium loddigesii
This species is a very hardy native of Laos, southwestern China, and Hong Kong.
It typically grows at elevations of 1300ft - 4900 ft.
In nature, Dendrobium loddigesii grows as both an epiphyte and lithophyte.
Since it comes from higher elevations it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures from 86F down to 40F.
It needs a somewhat dry rest period during winter in order to bloom in the springtime.
The flowers are long lasting and fragrant.
You can see some interesting photos of specimens in full bloom at the Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia
here and
here(links will open in a new window).
Sold as a blooming size plant mounted and well established on a piece of cork bark.
The plant is blooming age but not shipped in flower.
Item # TP-LODIG3 Status: In Stock Price: $20.00 ea.
Phalaenopsis stuartiana
This is an epiphytic species found only in the Philippine Islands. It
is not unusual for very mature plants to produce over a hundred flowers
at a time. Phalaenopsis makes a great beginner orchid since they are easy
to care for and tend to flower reliably. This particular species has attractive
dark green foliage with silvery and light green markings. The undersides
of the leaves are deep purple. The leaves grow to about 12 inches long
and the plant itself will get to about 5 inches tall. It produces a spike
with several long lasting 2 inch fragrant white flowers with cinammon
red markings. (See some photos at
The Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia here and dustindorton.com
here. Links will open in a new window.)
Care of Phalaenopsis is fairly simple. They can be grown either potted in sphagnum or a loose bark mix. They can also be mounted on cork bark or driftwood. They prefer low light to medium light. Grown indoors they do very well under fluorescent lighting or near a north facing window. They also make great specimens for medium to large terrariums. Temperatures should be between 85 F and 60 F. Humidity should be kept at 60% -75%. Placing the pot on a shallow tray containing pebbles or marbles and water will help maintain the proper humidity. The roots should kept moist but not soggy wet. Sold as a well established, blooming size plant in a 4 inch pot. Not shipped in flower.
Item # PHAL-STU Status: In Stock Price: $18.00 ea.
Phalaenopsis schilleriana
This is another epiphytic species found only in the Philippine Islands
which is very similar to Phalaenopsis stuartiana. Older mature plants
also produce very large numbers of flowers. Leaf marking are very similar
to P. stuartiana. It produces a spike with several long lasting 3 inch
fragrant pink flowers. (See some photos at The
Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia here and dustindorton.com
here. Links will open in a new window.) Care and culture of this species
is identical to Phalaenopsis stuartiana above. Sold as a well established,
blooming size plant in a 4 inch pot. Not shipped in flower.
Item # PHAL-SCHIL Status: In Stock Price: $18.00 ea.
Phalaenopsis equestris
Equestris is another epiphytic Phalaenopsis species found throughout the Philippine Islands and into Taiwan.
Fleshy green elliptic leaves grow 5 to 7 inches long.
It produces a 12 inch spike with several long lasting 1 inch slightly fragrant deep pink flowers. Flower color can be variable and sometimes yellow or white flowers can appear.
Care and culture of this species is similar to Phalaenopsis stuartiana above.
Sold as a well established, blooming size plant in a 4 inch pot. Not shipped in flower.
Item # PHAL-EQST Status: In Stock Price: $18.00 ea.
Vanilla planifolia (Vanilla Orchid)
Native to Florida, the West Indies, Central America and Northern South America.
A warm to hot growing epiphytic vine with fleshy leaves.
Produces fragrant, short-lived flowers whose seedpods are used to produce Vanilla essence.
Flowers are up to 2.5" in diameter. Easy to grow but can be difficult to flower in a terrarium.
Sold as a well started, rooted plant in a 3" pot.
Item # TP-OVAN3 Status: Out of Stock Price:
Vanilla planifolia (Variegated Vanilla Orchid)
This is a beautiful variegated form of Vanilla planifolia.
The flower and seedpod are identical to the normal variety.
Produces fragrant, short-lived flowers whose seedpods are used to produce Vanilla essence.
Flowers are up to 2.5" in diameter.Easy to grow but can be difficult to flower in a terrarium.
Sold as a well started, rooted plant in a 3" pot.
Item # TP-OVANVAR3 Status: In Stock Price:$12.00
