Ground Orchid “Epidendrum Radicans” Plant Profile

Common Names Include: ground-rooting epidendrum, fire-star orchid, rainbow orchid, and reed-stem epidendrum. 

The Ground Orchid is an amazing variety of Orchid, with care requirements very different than the common Phalaenopsis Orchid that you see in grocery stores.

These babies are Native to Central America and Northern parts of South America, and aren’t found in trees.

I love the whimsical way this orchid grows and trails. Flowers grow in round clusters and are similar to the “Dancing Lady” Orchid in size. 

If you’re ever able to get your hands on one, they’re a real treat! Not nearly as finicky as others in its genus, this plant is very rewarding to grow and cultivate. 

Let’s see how to care for this variety of ground orchid, we’ll look at:

• Sunshine Requirements  

• Ideal Humidity  

• Soil Type  

• Watering Frequency  

• Fertilizer Requirements  

• Propagation  

How to Care for the Ground Orchid 

Sunshine Requirements  

These lovely plants prefer a partial sun situation.

Full sun will make them a bit crispy with tons of aerial roots.

Full shade will result in very green, but leggy plants that don’t have as many leaves.

The best looking ones grow in a spot with about 6hrs of full sun a day. 

Ideal Humidity  

These plants love humidity! Their little aerial roots turn bright green in the morning dew and are always happy to receive a little mist from the garden hose. 

Soil Type 

Epidendrum Radicans are a terrestrial orchid, so they actually prefer to grow on the ground rather than trees. 

A light, slightly sandy soil mix keeps them happy. As long as they have adequate drainage, they’re really not picky. I keep mine in terracotta pots to promote some airflow. 

Watering Frequency 

Ground orchids prefer to get a little water every 5-7 days (especially when grown outdoors in terracotta), but you can wait longer between waterings than your common orchid varieties. Ground orchids are more tolerant of dry conditions. Ideally you should aim for a consistent watering schedule to help your plant to thrive and put out new growth. Weekly or just before the soil dries out.  

Fertilizer Requirements   

These little plants don’t require a super rich soil to grow. A little diluted fertilizer once a month will encourage new growth. A 20-14-13 is good for most orchid types. 

This is the one I use for all my Orchids: Better Gro Orchid Plus Bloom Booster Fertilizer, 16-Ounce

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Propagation 

Unlike Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium, or Oncidium Orchids these little plants can be propagated through cuttings! Yes, I said it. CUTTINGS! Take a sharp pair of pruning shears and snip a 4” cutting between nodes. Aerial roots are optional but not required. Be sure to remove the bottom leaf and allow the bottom to callous before placing your cutting in a basic tropical blend soil. 

For a more full look, you can prune and tuck new cuttings back in the original pot. 

Be sure to keep newly propagated plants out of full sun for the first week or two, and water whenever the soil feels dry. Boom! You have more orchids.