crucifix orchid

[Stefan]

hi everyone,
i was just given a cutting of a crucifix orchid. it has alot of new roots, and has growth. what i would like to know is;
a) what type of orchid is it, like cattleya dendrobium etc.
b) how do i care for it ( light fertiliser watering etc)
c) how big will it get? i read on sites, its a climber, and will get to be big.

thank you in advance for the help.


stefan

[Dorothy]

I believe Epidendrum radicans is known as the crucifix orchid.

[taipan]

Stefan - where are you located in Australia ?. I have a very large clump of Epi's growing outside in full sun at Sutherland ( approx. 20 km Sth of Sydney ) in NSW. They may get a bit of water if the garden gets any but normally they are fully open to the elements. They may get a light frost once in the proverbial blue moon. Normally anyone in NSW nth wards could grow them in an open area but not sure for people sth of say wollongong unless on the coast. When I first got the plant I gave it a regular watering & some fertiliser ( diluted ). Once the plant started to get bigger I left it to it's own devices.

[Stefan]

thank you both for your replies.
taipan, i live in perth, western australia, so i should think it will be the same. so once its growing stong, i can pretty much just leave it?
thank you again

stefan

[taipan]

Originally Posted by Stefan

thank you both for your replies.
taipan, i live in perth, western australia, so i should think it will be the same. so once its growing stong, i can pretty much just leave it?
thank you again

stefan

Stefan
You may have to give it a bit more water as I dont think Perth is as wet or as humid like Sydney - although I believe you have just had some very big storms

[Stefan]

hi taipan,
we have indeed. hasnt stopped raining, lol, i guess its a good thing. so more water? thats easy

stefan

[Jorch]

taipan and Stefan: I'm just curious how cold does it gets in Australia during winter (i.e. now)? Does it snow often in Perth and Sutherland?

I am curious to see if it is possible to grow Epidendrums outside in the Pacific Northwest

[taipan]

Hello jorch
Perth & Sutherland do not get any snow at all as both places are on the coast. At sutherland we may get a small frost & even then it is only occasionally & not every year. Sutherland will get cold especially now but the snow is reserved for the mountains ( blue ) west of Sydney & only on the higher elevated parts. When I mean cold it is due mainly to the southerly winds coming up from the Arctic. The blue mountains are named for the "blueish haze" brought about by the eucalyptus trees. Most of Australia is "snow free" except as mentioned the higher mountains in NSW, Victoria & Tasmania.
Hope this helps

[Jorch]

Ah OK. Thanks taipan! Looks like it'd be too cold here to keep this one outdoor