Habitat:
Epidendrum rousseauae is a cloud forest orchid native to Panama and Costa Rica, where it is found in montane and upper montane forest zones between 1,500 and 2,800 metres elevation. It occurs as an epiphyte on moss-covered branches and trunks in humid, high-altitude cloud forests, often near ridgelines or in mist-laden forest clearings. The species is associated with oak-dominated (Quercus) forests, growing in consistently moist, cool, and shaded microhabitats with year-round humidity.
Description:
A small to medium-sized epiphytic orchid, Epidendrum rousseauae has erect, leafy stems enclosed in overlapping sheaths, each bearing several linear-lanceolate leaves up to 10 cm long and 1–2 cm wide, often with a slightly leathery texture. The inflorescence is terminal, erect or slightly arching, and densely many-flowered, forming a short raceme. Flowers are small (1.2–1.5 cm wide), typically greenish or yellow-green, with a distinctive white or cream lip that is 3-lobed and often marked with pale venation. The column is short and stout, and the lip is fused to it for much of its length, typical of the genus. The sepals and petals are narrow and somewhat spreading. This species is superficially similar to Epidendrum difforme but differs by its more compact habit and denser floral arrangement.
Cultivation:
Grow Epidendrum rousseauae in cool to intermediate conditions, with daytime temperatures between 16–24 °C and nighttime lows of 10–14 °C. Provide bright, filtered light, simulating high-elevation cloud forest conditions. Maintain high humidity (70–90%), along with good air circulation. Mounting on cork or tree fern slabs is ideal, or use a fine epiphytic mix of bark, sphagnum, and charcoal. Keep the root zone moist but not soggy, watering frequently during active growth. Reduce watering slightly in winter. This species prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.8–6.8) and benefits from a dilute orchid fertiliser applied monthly during the growing season.
Specifications:
Plant Size:  Flowering sized plants growing in either bark or leica. Circa 4-10 pseudobulbs per pot.
Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Passport: Epidendrum rousseauae B 140084 C [user input] D GB