Can this broken reed be fixed - Orchid Board

Shugz · #1 03-31-2015, 10:50 AM

ok so this is my first post here , been lurking around the forum every so often reading and learning since I just started growing orchids since july 2014. well anyways I picked up this plant at an event last week and didn't realize it had no name tag and that there was a broken reed / stalk on the plant. im pretty sure its an epidendrum but cannot find a pic that is exactly like the plant. so if anyone knows what it could be please chime in. second question is there anything that can be done with the broken reed.. is there any rooting hormone I could use or just stick it in some potting medium. or should I jut cut it off an forget about it, I really don't want to go with that option if possible. thanks for the help in advance. ( sorry for the blurry photos, I have a condition that causes tremors and its really hard to get good photos without blurr)

reliablefool · #2 03-31-2015, 10:56 AM

It is a reed-stem epidendrum and I know that with at least some of the species you can root broken/cut reeds, but I am not sure how well that works with the hybrids. I guess you can give it a go. I haven't done this myself, so hopefully someone else with more experience can chime in.

silken · #3 03-31-2015, 11:00 AM

I agree, it looks like a reed stem Epidendrum. There are lots of hybrids, so you likely can't reliably name it unless you contact the seller. No harm in trying some seaweed or other rooting hormone. But it looks like there are enough other growths, I wouldn't worry too much about that one. Just slice it off with a sterile tool. Maybe dab some cinnamon on the stump that is left to seal and disinfect.

Shugz · #4 03-31-2015, 11:00 AM

that was a fast reply.. would it need anything special to root is my main concern..

silken · #5 03-31-2015, 11:07 AM

I am not sure, but these put out rooting keikis quite readily at nodes on the stems. So I would think it might root there with some seaweed, which contains rooting hormones and is great for orchids. The regular rooting hormones are often too strong for orchids. KLN or Superthrive might also work.

Shugz · #6 03-31-2015, 11:14 AM

just plain ol seaweed from the ocean.. damn I was at the beach yesterday watching the sun set. so just cut the reed off and wrap with seaweed and dap some cinnamon on the reed that is still connected to the plant.. then hope for the best ..

wgama · #7 03-31-2015, 11:17 AM

I have rooted reed stem epi hybrids like this with just a bit of bottom heat and using sphagnum moss. Make sure to dry out the cut end a little and let it callus over. A bit of rooting hormone for softwood cuttings wouldn't hurt.

silken · #8 03-31-2015, 11:19 AM

That seaweed might work, but most hydroponic places sell it bottled in a concentrated form to mix with water.

Orchid Whisperer · #9 04-02-2015, 12:11 AM

I broke a cane on my R.S.E. last fall. I just placed the broken stem loosely in with the other stems in the pot (not down in the bark). I sprayed it when I watered, but no special treatment. It is growing many roots and doing fine.

Shugz · #10 04-02-2015, 02:18 PM

yeah after cutting the broken reed all the way off I noticed a little bump toward the bottom that looks like it might be new root growth so ive got hi hopes for it, ide like to use it in a mount project since I just picked up some drift wood. ohh and seaweed , do you mean kelp extract ? that might be why I couldn't think of what you were talking about...