Elleanthus spp.

elleanthus orchids

Orchidaceae

Neotropics from Mexico to the Andes and Brazil

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Hummingbirds Container Friendly

SunPart Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Elleanthus is a genus of about 110 species of mostly evergreen orchids native to the American tropics, from Mexico and the Caribbean through Central America to the Andes and Brazil. Most species grow as terrestrials, lithophytes, or epiphytes in humid montane and cloud forests, often at high elevation. The plants have slender, reed- or cane-like leafy stems 8 in to 6 ft (20-180 cm) tall, set with pleated, grass-like leaves along their length. The small flowers are packed into dense terminal heads or spikes among conspicuous bracts, in pink, magenta, orange, red, and yellow, and many produce abundant nectar that draws hummingbirds. Flower heads are often more brightly coloured than the individual blooms because of the tightly massed bracts. The genus depends on cool, humid, frost-free conditions and steady moisture and is grown mainly by specialist orchid collectors rather than in general gardens. Plants are intolerant of drying out and sudden heat, and most are hard to keep outside montane climates or controlled greenhouses.

Native Range

Native to the Neotropics, ranging from Mexico and the Caribbean through Central America and the Andes to southern Brazil and Bolivia, with the greatest number of species in the northern Andes. Most grow in wet montane and cloud forests.

Suggested Uses

Grown by specialist and botanical-garden orchid collectors in cool, humid greenhouses, on mounts, and in pots, rather than in open gardens. In frost-free montane climates some species are grown outdoors in shaded, humid, sheltered spots.

How to Identify

Look for slender, reed- or cane-like stems clothed along their length in pleated, grass-like leaves, ending in a tight head or spike of small flowers among coloured bracts. The flower colour, often pink, magenta, orange, or yellow, comes as much from the massed bracts as from the blooms. The cane-like leafy stems and dense terminal flower heads separate Elleanthus from orchids with bare flower stalks.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8" - 6'

Width/Spread6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering time varies with species and elevation, with many blooming in spring and summer or following seasonal rains. The dense flower heads hold colour for a few weeks while individual flowers open in succession. Nectar-rich species are visited and pollinated by hummingbirds.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

pink, magenta, orange, to yellow

Foliage Description

green, pleated

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade

Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

peat loam

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-4 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Across the genus, Elleanthus grows in bright shade in cool, humid, frost-free conditions on humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-aerated media. Terrestrial species are grown in a loose, organic mix, while epiphytic species are mounted or potted in bark-based orchid media. Plants need steady moisture and high humidity year-round and decline if allowed to dry out or overheat. Most are suited only to USDA zones 10-12 or to cool, humid greenhouses. Good airflow limits rot in the dense growth. Cool nights and even moisture suit the montane species.

Pruning

Little pruning is needed beyond removing spent flower heads and any dead or damaged canes at the base. Old canes are left until they yellow, as they continue to feed the plant. Crowded clumps are divided when repotting, keeping several canes per division.