A few questions about my epidendrum

[Nlamr]

So here is my epidendrum, the keiki monster, that I got back in January. I assume it is a type of radicans based on the flowers the others had where I bought it. Now, I want to repot this, but I would like to separate the keikis because I want it to be outdoors for the summer and as you can see I am already struggling with keeping it moist enough as it inside (the amount of water this bad boy uses has really increased in the last month or two). So, should I bag the keikis with some moss to prep the roots or can I just pop them off? What are good medium options for these guys? It's actually in dirt right now, I would prefer to steer clear of that. And finally, when I first got this I read that they like high light, and if they turn reddish it is ok..... Now I just read that you do not want them to receive that much light...... So which is it?

[DirtyCoconuts]

where are you located, Friend?

makes a big difference.

that looks exactly like Epi. radicans and so i agree with your provisional ID.

they are fine in dirt, can also be full epiphytic so feel free to play around with the medium as you like

i grow them in varied conditions from in the canopy of a thick lychee tree to FULL (10) hours of south florida sun...they are happier in the sun but grow fine in the shadier parts, they just bloom less


they like to drink but are also quite tolerant of drought and are basically made of steel.

I bet the cold is bad for them but i would also not be surprised if they can handle that too LOL

---------- Post added at 03:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:00 PM ----------

oh, i don't think it matters to the plant with the keikis, they are really fine to remove once they have rooted about a hand long.

That said, i don't take any off unless i am giving some away as it makes for a much bigger and grander display with 13-25 spikes on a bush!

[Nlamr]

I'm in New York so winter months are a tad cold hehe, which is basically why I wonder about medium.... I don't mind watering every couple days during the summer what I worry more about is staying too wet when I being it indoors for the winter.... I think I will keep it on the sunnier side, growth has certainly increased since I increased the light which is a good thing, right? Hehe, thank you!

[Dollythehun]

I take the keikis off because I like a tidier plant. I pot them up in moss until they get good roots. You're already there.

Mine is in full sun all summer (Indiana.) In the winter it's plopped just outside of the grow lights (it's too tall to go under,.) I water sparingly in the winter. The more sun you give it, the more compact it will be.

[Nlamr]

Thank you!

[DirtyCoconuts]

much more helpful info when it is tailored to your conditions LOL

[Dollythehun]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

much more helpful info when it is tailored to your conditions LOL

There used to be an old saying: If you farmed on sand, and moved to clay, you'd starve. I have no doubt you are an excellent grower. However, if you didn't live in such plant plush conditions, you'd have to develope a different skill set. Ideally someone from NY would have answered.

BTW, those keikis will make excellent gift plants!

[DirtyCoconuts]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

There used to be an old saying: If you farmed on sand, and moved to clay, you'd starve. I have no doubt you are an excellent grower. However, if you didn't live in such plant plush conditions, you'd have to develope a different skill set. Ideally someone from NY would have answered.

BTW, those keikis will make excellent gift plants!

that is a great quote and i have no gift for growing LOL, not at all..i have a great environment and a DECENT ability to listen to the plants when they show their needs

i used to say, i do not have a green thumb i just don't have a black one.

---------- Post added at 11:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:36 AM ----------

also, clay can kick rocks....what a difficult material to do anything with....I'll take my miles of nutrient dead sand all day