Epidendrum ilense #5854 outcross (approximately 25 seedlings per flask).

The Species: A very distinctive member of the genus Epidendrum that has a cane like pseudobulb and an unusual blooming habit. The first inflorescenc is formed at the apex of the pseudobulb which continues to form clusters of buds over a long period of time. When that is finished another inflorescence will be formed at nodes below. An inforescence starts with a cluster of about 3 to 7 flowers and when the first flowers fade a new clusters are formed. In the last image, you can see that this process produces many flowers over time. New inflorescences are produce on both new and old pseudobulbs. A well grown plant can be in bloom for a very long time. The fragrant, white flowers have a beautifully fringed lip. The literature says the pseudobulbs can reach are about 20" tall, but I just measure the tallest on one of my plants and it is 51" tall. The growths are upright with a bit or arching at the top but don't take up much space on the bench. Some may benefit with staking to stabilize the center of gravity if potted. It comes from Ecaudor very close to the equator in the western foothills of the Andes from a very small area at an elevation of 1750 ft. It grows as an epiphyte in very wet cloud forest. I have never tried growing this mounted, but it should be interesting.

Culture: This does best for me in warm conditions (nights 60F or more) in moderate to moderately bright light. I have grown in potted in a fine bark mix in plastic and in sphagnum moss in terra cotta. It does best for me when it isn’t allowed to dry out for any period of time.

Epidendrum ilense: I do not have images of the actual parents, so show several images of plants in my collection.