In the northern area of South America and the tropical parts of Central America Epidendrum cochleatum can be found in the wild. The orchid has an inverted flower. The elongated curled white petals grow from at the bottom of the flower for this reason. The lip covers the pollen of the flower and has a dark purple colour with white stripes over its length. Its dark colour resulted it being named 'the black orchid' in Belize, where Epidendrum cochleatum is the national emblem. The bulbs are even eaten there. These bulbs produce leathery leaves with a length of 30 centimetre. 2 or 3 flowers grow at a time and can blossom for months.

Place Epidendrum cochleatum in a light spot, out of direct sunlight. The humidity should be quite high, around 80%. The ideal temperature for Epidendrum cochleatum is around 25⁰C. Don't let the temperature drop below 15⁰C or rise above 30⁰C. For the best results, water the plant using rainwater or distilled water whenever the substrate dries slightly. In practice this will be watering three to five times a week. Together with a proper humidity, this will help prevent infections and disease. Orchid-mix will be a suitable substrate. You can find this and other components in our ‘Plant Accessories’ section. Make sure moisture is able to drain from it. This orchid needs little or no fertilizer. Old flowers can be cut from the plant.