Reed-stem epi black leaves/splotches

[Kiki]

Well, I've struggled through my orchid issues and lurked the forums for a bit, but it's about time to ask about this one.

I have a reed-stem epidendrum that has looked fine since I got it in April. All of a sudden, the older growth began to produce blocky/patchy splotches of brown, leading to black. The stems seem to be still green, and this is only affecting the stems that had spikes on them. So my solution was to simply split apart the older growth from the newer growth, and hope whatever was there isn't contagious.

Growing conditions: My house is currently a bit colder than I would like for orchid growing, and they might be getting a little less light than they need (north facing window, but there are no obstructions). I feed weekly weakly with the typical 20-10-20 stuff, and while I've noticed a slow down in the plant's growth, I haven't noticed any other problems.

Was planted in bark and what kinda now looks like soil, either from the bark breaking down or the seller packing it with soil. Currently the new growths are just suspended in a bit of dilute fertilizer with some rooting hormone.

I would really love to save the plant as it was a gift...

[Junebug]

I'm not sure what's ailing the leaves. Reed stems will often send out aerial roots. I would not put the new growth in water. In Florida they'll grow in a sandy soil mixture and will survive with infrequent waterings. They love sunshine and will thrive in full bright sunlight.

[Kiki]

Hmm, I was hoping that the water would sort of help with root formation. Still not recommended?

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by Kiki

Hmm, I was hoping that the water would sort of help with root formation. Still not recommended?

I don't think so. Direct contact with water might cause rot instead of encouraging growth. When my tips break I tuck them (not bury) in with another plant and wait for them to make some aerial roots. Once that happens I pot them in a 50/50 mix of sand and good quality potting soil. I've read posts from other Floridian's who grow them planted directly in their flower beds. In some countries they grow like weeds on the side of dry dirt roads. In Florida there is so much sand and a sandy loam doesn't hold water so we have to enrich most of our growing spaces with cow manure and topsoil, compost, or potting soil. You'll want to achieve a well drained terrestrial mix for the reed stems. My plant is grown outdoors in full sun. These chids generally won't bloom in underexposed areas. They need several hours of full sunlight...as much as you can give them. It gets hot down here during summer, and I mist the aerial roots almost daily and thoroughly water the medium about once a week, sometimes even less.

Your watering routines might vary depending on your climate and growing conditions, but if reed stems don't get enough sun you'll get lot's of growth, with no blooms.

[Kiki]

I think I will give it a shot with half the stems, and keep the other half in water. Still hoping someone recognizes the black splotches; they're progressing further and further along the leaves!