Epidendrum congestoides

[Pattywack]

This Epidendrum was a Black Friday purchase at Al’s Orchids. Who needs the mall when you can visit a greenhouse? Not me. I was in hopes of buying a new Neofinetia to celebrate my one year of growing them but didn’t find any I really wanted.

I’ve passed this plant up many times, always regret it after I’ve left so this trip was the day to add it to my collection. Besides my daughter threatened to buy it if I didn’t. I have other mat growing Epi’s and love them.

Epidendrum congestoides is a mat forming Epi from Guatemala, Honduras and Costa Rica. I’ve also seen it described as pendant growing. It likes shady, warm conditions and flowers winter and late spring. Apparently this plant is rarely offered. Al originally purchased this from Tropical Orchid Farm, the date on the tag is from 2009.

This is the only Epidendrum congestoides that Al had and he had been tempted to chop it up and make small mounts. He said it was too perfectly symmetrical so he just couldn’t cut it up. The old flowers are brown and drying, you can see them on the tips of the growths. It is growing in moss in a 3 1/2” tall clay pot with a net pot upturned in the bottom.

I think this Epi is very unique, happy to have it!

[Dollythehun]

Very unique! A cutie for sure! Good find.

[charlesf6]

Nice scoop!
I love the seasoned clay pot!

[Pattywack]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

Very unique! A cutie for sure! Good find.

Thank you Dolly! It is unique and I appreciate the fact that Al didn’t chop it up. It would be really nice mounted on a large cork mount as I’ve noticed the pendant growth habit on the longer pieces.

---------- Post added at 10:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:16 AM ----------

Originally Posted by charlesf6

Nice scoop!
I love the seasoned clay pot!

Thank you Charles, it was time to bring this one home. I seriously have had this plant in my hands several times debating about it and always put it back for something else. Usually grab another Neo instead.

The seasoned pot is nice too, Al keeps this one damp. It seems so succulent in appearance you would never guess it likes damp shady conditions. As many years as he has grown it, it’s happy and healthy though now I wish I had purchased it before it flowered!