Epi. ilense - Orchid Board

ScottMcC · #1 09-05-2006, 02:33 AM

http://www.orchidspecies.com/epiilense.htm

Anyone tried growing this one? I got one last week and so far it seems to be doing ok, but it did lose one of its bottom leaves (the lowest one in the attached picture), and the leaf above that looks like it's on its way out.

So far I've got it sitting with my phals in the 2" plastic pot of seedling bark mix in which it came--any better ideas? Anyone tried s/h for this????

Mahon · #2 09-05-2006, 04:22 PM

Scott,

I have grown Epi. ilense for about 3 years now. It blooms continually from the same cane, but this is also seen in a few other Epidendrum species (so this species is not as special as people, primarily the sellers, say it is)... Epi. ilense in nature only gets about 2 or 3 feet tall, but in cultivation, I have seen the Type for the species as MSBG, and is around 6 feet tall now.

This species was found by Calaway Dodson in Ecuaor. Contrary to popular belief, this species is found abundantly in nature. The species WAS considered extinct in nature for a while, but the species was re-discovered by Cal Dodson and found in other nearby areas. In general, it is a VERY easy growing species...

Not to criticize your plant, but this looks like a cut-off from a more mature cane, division, or even a seedling... the leaves of an offshoot will be un-developed "sheath-like" leaves. A seedling of this species does not get as thick as a mature cane. If this is a top cut or broken piece, the leaves will usually yellow and wither off, and eventually become nothing, unless it is propagated correctly. Of course, when I have these Epi. "sticks", I stick them in humus (what a suprise, huh? Well, it works better then anything, and is free!)... You may just want to check out the roots (or lack of) on your plant, I bought a plant almost identical to yours off eBay, and was just a broken cane top. Good luck, keep us posted, I hope you can prove me wrong, it's a great species to have!

-Pat

Tikva · #3 09-05-2006, 04:40 PM

It's really neat looking. I like how it grows.
I was thinking it could be normal settling, but that was before the orchid guru spoke with experience. I would get more advice from Mahon on how to make it thrive.... it's really cool.

ScottMcC · #4 09-05-2006, 04:46 PM

I was told this was a seedling, and I bought it from a well respected grower (www.mauiorchids.com). I'll check the roots fully in a little bit, but I can see some nice green ones sticking out of the media.

How exactly should one grow this, in your opinion? You say proper culture is important, but don't give any guidance as to what that means.

Mahon · #5 09-05-2006, 05:10 PM

Scott,

That is good that it is a seedling, though it seems impossible for that thickness... I worked with Epi. ilense seedlings, the thickness of the canes were about 4mm or 5mm... the seedlings make new growths sporadically, and do not stay a single growth (like most Epi. species).

As for care, the species loves an abundance of water... If all possible, grow in similar conditions to an Epidendrum nocturnum (except add air-flow)... this species tolerates high amounts of light (if gradually introduced), or can grow in shade. I grow this species outside under a tree with partial shade, with an abundance of water. About November, I cut down on watering (and the rain is not as frequent) and allow a dry period. The same measures are taken at MSBG with the Type of this species, and other low elevation tropicals. It would be hard to give exact details on how to grow your seedling, as they are not as mature as a specimen, and may require different conditions. Epidendrum ilense is, for the most part, an easy growing species...

-Pat

ScottMcC · #6 09-05-2006, 06:25 PM

The cane is about 7-10 mm in greatest diameter (it's kind of elliptical in cross section).

I've attached some new pictures taken today, one of which showing the well-developed root system.

Mahon · #7 09-05-2006, 07:02 PM

That root system looks good! I just don't see how it could be a seedling... unless it was broken off from the older (useless) back canes... you have a while to go until blooming though, but it still looks good and for the most part, healthy!

-Pat

Piper · #8 09-06-2006, 09:50 AM

Scott,

I've had an Epi. ilense for nearly three years now. I got it mounted on bark and read that it didn't like high levels of light, so I moved it into my Paph room and it grew pretty well. At least until I knocked it off its hanger and broke off two of the growths!

Then a year or so later, I read they liked high levels of light, so I put it in Catt-level light and it seemed to stop growing for nearly a year.

I forgot I had watered it in the shower this spring when I went away for the weekend, and when I got home it had put out a spike and two buds in two days! The moist dark rest seemed to be the trigger, but who knows?

The flowers weren't well formed, and didn't last very long, so I was convinced it wasn't getting the moisture it needed bare rooted on the cork. So I carefully removed the mount and plunked the plant into sphagnum in a clay pot. It immediately put out two more buds that bloomed normally and are still happily strutting their stuff.

I now have it in bright indirect light, and it's pushed up a new growth and is looking content.

Hope this helps!

Julie

MDK · #9 09-09-2006, 11:51 PM

I grow Epi. ilense in intermediate light and temperature. I had it in a fine bark mix, but have since repotted it in Aussie Gold and it seems to like it. I love the way it keeps blooming from the same spike...such an odd flower.

jonnygreenthumb · #10 11-13-2006, 01:21 AM

How often do you water and does it need a rest period after growth has stoped?