Epidendrum ilense produces three to four foot canes which makes a pendant flower stem at the tip of the cane. Older canes also produce flower stems in old leaf axils, even after the older canes drop their leaves.

This Epidendrum species prefers warm and very humid conditions, bright light, and should be kept moist at all times.

When this species was discovered in a remote forest in Ecuador the scientists collected several plants to take back with them. On a return visit to the site, the scientists found that the entire forest had been destroyed, and no further plants of Epidendrum ilense have been found. The original plants were pollinated and the seedlings were distributed. The plant is currently being hybridized with other Epidendrums and Cattleya tribe orchids to produce interesting hybrids with fringed lips.