Epidendrum viviparum
 

A very interesing Epi species from South America, not often seen in cultivation. Very distinctive growth habit, it grows sympodially but if you don't cut back the flower spike it will send out a keikei instead of a new growth at the base of the plant and will continue to do that until you cut off the spike.

WOW! this is a lovely plant. It can really grow into a jungle, and the way you describe the keikis...they just love to multiply but sadly its the basal keikis that give big beautiful flowers...those on the spike can also grow but not as magnificent. It also gives an unkept look on the overall plant if you dont cut the spikes.

Handy way to get new plants !!! Provided, of course, that you WANT new plants !!!

Very nice - large plant?

Ron -

Individually, not really, each growth stands only about 8" tall, but when you consider it's habit of growing keikeis on the spike, you add a few inches to each growth for the spike so now you are talking about maybe 12". I have had the plant for several years, when I finally broke it apart it was about 5' tall. I now make sure to cut off the flower spike right after blooming unless I want to have a keikei form for a friend.

awesome blooms!