Deadhead Epidendrum porpax

[VERN-O]

Newbie help:
My Epidendrum porpax has flowered and they are turning brown. My question is should I deadhead them or will they go to seed? If I would like to start another plant, would I be better off taking a cutting rather than trying from seed?

[JScott]

Orchid seed have to be sown in flasks on a special medium under sterile conditions. This is usually done in labs under carefully controlled conditions with special equipment. Some people manage to do this in their homes without any special equipment, but it is a lot of work, and the success rate is not high. If you are up for a challenge, you can research the process and give it a shot, but you're probably better off just taking cuttings.

[Pattywack]

Have the flowers been pollinated? They will not set seed otherwise. You should notice a small seed pod if they have been pollinated.

JScott’s explanation is spot on. I have Epidendrum porpax and it would be very easy to start from cuttings. My plant has a lot of roots.

[VERN-O]

No pollination here....terrarium setup. Wow so glad I asked. I will deadhead them
Thanks

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by VERN-O

No pollination here....terrarium setup. Wow so glad I asked. I will deadhead them
Thanks

Don't be too quick to remove what looks like it is dead... the flowers will fall off naturally, but just behind them is a growth point. If you accidentally get more than the spent flower, you will prevent the plant from spreading the way it wants to. Epidendrums in general can fool you. Very often what looks dead isn't...let nature be natural.

[VERN-O]

Thanks Roberta...I did not know that

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by VERN-O

Thanks Roberta...I did not know that

I have enough "Oh, s**t" moments cutting the remains of spikes that looked dead (and were green in the middle) on enough types (Epis, Dendrobiums, Pleurothallids, etc.) that I'm inclined to not cut anything that doesn't fall off in my hand or be very crispy-brittle. You can gently remove spent petals, but best to leave where they were attached alone.

[Dollythehun]

I second Roberta on the Epis. They've fooled me more than once! I've cut the dead only to find it live...