What kind of orchid is this - Orchid Board

Paytyn2flex · #1 10-23-2019, 01:34 PM

Hello,
I was literally just given this orchid by a patient. He said it will bloom in April/May, here in Florida. He also said to just stick it in a wooden hanging basket and mist a few times a week. He wasn't sure of the name. Does anyone know? Also do you think it would like to hang out in my Vanda area, lol.
Thanks for your help
Libby
I hope the picture I attached, worked

BrassavolaStars · #2 10-23-2019, 01:41 PM

I could be mistaken, but that kind of looks like an epidendrum of some sort. That being said, I have never seen any epidendrum like that.

neophyte · #3 10-23-2019, 01:46 PM

it is a reed-stem epidendrum. it prefers warm conditions and should receive high light (cattleya-like conditions). the AOS has lots more information on care though haha. it should thrive outdoors in florida.

Paytyn2flex · #4 10-23-2019, 03:07 PM

Thank you. Does high light mean full sun?

BrassavolaStars · #5 10-23-2019, 03:17 PM

In my experience, high light for orchids means around 50% shade. Orchids, in general, do not like full sun and will burn.

I believe the AOS says that cattleyas do best in 60% shade and to have similar light for an epidendrum. Reedstem Epidendrum Culture

Roberta · #6 10-23-2019, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paytyn2flex

Thank you. Does high light mean full sun?

Probably a little less light than a Vanda. So I agree, 50-60% shade (dappled sun) Especially in Florida, some shading needed. All those aerial roots will love the humidity and rain. (Probably Epidendrum radicans or one of its hybrids, those aerial roots are characteristic of this group)

Paytyn2flex · #7 10-23-2019, 04:56 PM

Thank you again. I think under the pergola would be ideal!. I'm so excited and I can't wait to see how it blooms.

Dollythehun · #8 10-23-2019, 09:55 PM

Rethink putting that in a wooden hanging basket! Reedstem epis get huge! In it's natural habitat, it even grows on the roadsides like a weed and they cut it down with a brush hog! That's how I came by mine. They are terrestrial. Put it in a large pot and up here, they'll take full, hot, sun all day. If it is shy to bloom, just withhold water. Don't cut off the flowers as they rebloom from the same stems. Mine is in bloom nearly all year and is a bushy 3' tall.

Roberta · #9 10-23-2019, 10:10 PM

Remember, "full sun" in Indiana is different than full sun in Florida. Especially with small divisions that need to get established, taking the edge off the sun is advisable, I think. Given the configuration of those cuttings (looks like they were hanging off the edge of a basket or such before) a basket could be fine... they can always be moved. (They're going to be growing outside all year around, so space is less of an issue than if they have to be brought in for the winter) They are totally not fussy about the medium. Small bark is fine, sphagnum is also OK, even a well-drained soil (NOT the clay that passes for soil around my house...) So whatever is convenient. Growing as a terrestrial, they are used in the landscaping of the San Diego Zoo in California. So they can be grown any old way. Dollythehun is spot on, once they start blooming they never stop (in Florida they should be even happier) Wonderful color. Great to share with friends...

Dollythehun · #10 10-23-2019, 10:49 PM

I agree, Roberta, part sun to establish the plant. But, after that, full sun. Remember it's hot in Bolivia. My opinion is it's going to grow toward the light in that basket and look odd. (Sorry to disagree with you).