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Fringed Star Orchid (Epidendrum ciliare)

Fringed Star Orchid (Epidendrum ciliare) is an epiphytic orchid native to Central and South America, featuring delicate, fringed petals that give it a unique appearance.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Bright indirect

Watering

Moderate

Soil

Orchid bark mix or epiphytic medium

Temperature

Intermediate

Habitat

Greenhouse

Fertilizer

Moderate

Care Requirements

Light

Bright indirect

Provide bright, filtered light; avoid direct, harsh sunlight which can scorch leaves.

Watering

Moderate

Maintain consistent moisture, allowing slight drying between waterings.

Soil

Orchid bark mix or epiphytic medium

Temperature

Intermediate

Ideal daytime temperatures are 21-27°C, with a slight drop to 15-18°C at night for blooming.

Habitat

Greenhouse

Fertilizing

Moderate

Feed with a diluted orchid fertilizer during active growth; reduce in winter.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Category

Flowering

Plant Place Type

Pot

Plant Environment

Greenhouse

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Height

0.3-0.6 m

Spread

0.3-0.5 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

None

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Simple

Flower Size

5-7 cm

Optimal Sunlight Lux

7000

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · AprPeak fruit · Jun
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths87
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · OctPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths87
Synonyms
Auliza ciliaris (L.) Salisb.
Coilostylis ciliaris (L.) Withner & P.A.Harding
Coilostylis cuspidata (G.Lodd.) Withner & P.A.Harding
Coilostylis emarginata Raf.
Epidendrum cuspidatum G.Lodd.
Epidendrum sanctalucianum H.G.Jones
Epidendrum viscidum Lindl.
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classLiliopsida
  • orderAsparagales
  • familyOrchidaceae
  • genusEpidendrum
  • speciesEpidendrum ciliare
Toxicity

None

Additional Care Tips

Keep the potting medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top 2-3 cm of the medium to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering frequency during cooler, dormant periods to prevent root rot. Ensure good drainage to avoid standing water.

Pruning is minimal for Epidendrum ciliare. Remove spent flower spikes at their base once blooming is finished. Cut away any dead, damaged, or diseased pseudobulbs or leaves using sterile tools to maintain plant health and shape.

Propagation is primarily done through division. When the plant becomes overgrown, typically in spring, carefully separate mature pseudobulbs with at least two or three healthy growths. Allow the divisions to air dry for a day or two before repotting.

Repot your Fringed Star Orchid every 2-3 years, or when the potting medium begins to break down or the plant outgrows its container. Use a well-draining orchid mix, such as bark or a bark-perlite blend. Repot after flowering to minimize disturbance.

FAQs

What are the light requirements for Epidendrum ciliare?

Epidendrum ciliare prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves.

How often should Fringed Star Orchid be watered?

Water thoroughly when the potting medium is nearly dry. Allow for good drainage to prevent root rot.

What is the ideal temperature for this orchid?

It thrives in intermediate to warm temperatures, generally between 18-27 degrees Celsius during the day and a slight drop at night.

What type of potting medium is best for Epidendrum ciliare?

A well-draining orchid mix is essential, typically consisting of bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss.

When does Epidendrum ciliare typically bloom?

Flowering time can vary, but it often blooms in the cooler months, producing fragrant flowers.