Epidendrums

[GardenTheater]

Love the vivid colors!

[Hawaiian Sunshine]

Originally Posted by Paul

Very nice, Mel. My issue with doing the reedstem epis is how tall the buggers get.

Out of curiosity, what media do you use. I have heard of folks using a high soil media ... basically growing them as terrestrials.

You are correct in that many of these reedstem epis can be very tall and leggy. In many instances they have to be staked or the stems will lean over or break. Fortunately some of the new crosses are much shorter and have nice sized heads. I grow most of my epis in New Zealand Sphagnum moss. I have not tried a soil media.

Originally Posted by WeirdGuySeattle

Do you give these any shade? Mine either got scorched, too much cold damage, or else root rot (I can't be sure which.) I have one reed that looks great, 5 that are leafless and one that has like 5 nasty leaves clinging to life.

I grow all of my epis under 50% shade cloth. Some of my friends grow them in full sun and the epis seem to do well. I don't think epis like cold, freezing temperatures.

[Chris17]

I love them, too, but don't have the light.

[Ferns Daddy]

Love the colors, I have a epidendrum that sits in a south window and is growing like crazy, would like to have more but the take up lots of window space.

[pheli]

Great colors!
Some reed stem epidendrums, especially those tall ones, are so vigorous that they have been reported to become wild plants in our island.

[Fairorchids]

Yes, while I am a Paph fanatic, and Vandaceous lover, I also like the reed stem Epis. I purchased 10 seedlings from Cal Orchids last summer, of the types bred for large flowers (& plants). The first one should bloom in time for the Deep Cut show in 10 days.

At the same time I purchased Valley Princess, so I will be able to offer some color (& size) contrast in my display.

[Hawaiian Sunshine]

Originally Posted by Fairorchids

Yes, while I am a Paph fanatic, and Vandaceous lover, I also like the reed stem Epis. I purchased 10 seedlings from Cal Orchids last summer, of the types bred for large flowers (& plants). The first one should bloom in time for the Deep Cut show in 10 days.

At the same time I purchased Valley Princess, so I will be able to offer some color (& size) contrast in my display.

Wow, beautiful. I've been looking for a large white epi. I'll have to search for a Valley Princess. Thanks for sharing.