This yard in Belleair has an amazing mix of Florida-friendly and Florida native plants. The orchid profusion is incredible. Epidendrum radicans (Reed-stemmed, five-star, or crucifix orchid) is a plant that must meet the requirements of right plant-right place (Florida Friendly Landscape Principle #1). 

The orchid requires full sun in order to bloom and will become “leggy” if it doesn’t receive enough.  It’s not salt-tolerant, so if you live where there's saltwater flooding, it won’t survive inundation. And it needs water at least twice a week in the summer.  Given our dry season in the winter, it will still require weekly watering. And the soil must be well-draining. Unlike other epiphytes (growing on trees without soil), this plant does well rooted in the soil. It can’t withstand a freeze, which shouldn’t be a problem now we’re closer to Zone 10.  

You may notice seed pods are formed after the flower is fertilized.  While these pods contain dust-like seeds, propagation from seed is rarely accomplished in a home environment.  It requires a symbiotic fungus.  However, the plant sends roots along the stem, which can very easily be transplanted to start a new plant.