Orchid of the day: Epidendrum radicans

We were away for the briefest of R&R in Florida a few days ago to escape the cold up in Baltimore. We stayed at our friend's place on Hutchinson Island. A nice stretch of white sandy beaches and friendly people. We saw dolphins surfing the waves and apparently it is shark migration time there. Well, it was fun and relaxing no matter what! While taking our afternoon walk, Arne and I noticed this plant sticking out in a pot. I looked closely and I said, "It must be an orchid!". "Yes it is. It is the reed-stem Epidendrum radicans", said Arne, in his matter-of-a-fact voice. It does annoy me but he is correct and I decided to take a few photos of this orchid. This blog is constantly on my mind.

(A) This Epidenrum radicans was growing out of a metal pot directly exposed to sunlight.

I found it interesting because this orchid was just out in the elements, compared to the special care Arne invests in his orchids at home. Well, I read up and found out that these reed-stem Epidendrum are a common roadside weed at the middle elevations in Central America. Native to the tropical Americas, from South Carolina south to Mexico and Central America right to Argentina. Reed-stem Epidendrum are commonly called the poor man's orchid for several reasons; they are affordable, yielding many plants, easily propagated and tolerant to a wide range of growing condition. Whatever it maybe, I found the radiant colors beautiful and I would love to be surrounded in field of reed-stem Epidendrum.

(B) I tried to get a better close up here but I'm afraid, it wasn't my best. The sun was quite bright that day.

(C) Here is a better close up of what we saw in Florida. Pity we can't have these growing up in Baltimore.

I hope you enjoyed my post today. This was an interesting accident and it was fun to share these photos. I look forward to continue sharing with you out there. There will be more to come. Arne wants me to say that. Enjoy!