Epidendrum Lovely Valley 'Usubeni'

[Bud]

Reed-stem Epidendrum easily grow in almost any environment, mounted, in a pot, or in raised flowerbeds outdoors, in warmer zones where some renegade seedlings have even sprouted on the roof of some houses. This Epidendrum blooming for the first time came from Kodama Orchid Nursery in Waianae. The erect inflorescences stand 5 inches above the 12-inch-tall plant. This is one of the most important criteria for growing Epidendrum well. They require high light throughout the year. It should be equal to or slightly more than Cattleya lighting. You will know it is happy and healthy when there is a slight red tint to the leaves. If the light level is too low, the plants will become elongated, weak and flower poorly.
I feed these orchids abundant amounts of fertilizer. When fertilized regularly they respond immediately with denser flower spikes, greener, stronger leaves and robust roots.
These orchids are generally forgiving of water frequency and quality. But be sure to water abundantly, letting water drain out of the bottom of the pot, to prevent mineral buildup in the mix. Keep the roots evenly moist year round, but, as for most orchids, do not let the plant sit in water.
Epidendrum can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and most can handle near-freezing conditions. As a rule, I provide day temperatures of 60 to 90 F (and 30 to 70 F at night). In my zone, I move the plant outside after the threat of frost has passed, being careful to avoid sun burning the leaves when moving plants outside in the spring. At the first hint of frost in the autumn, I bring the plants indoors, making sure to check for and remove any insects. Note that Epidendrum cinnabarinum and many of its primary hybrids are not tolerant of low temperatures (below 55 F) for extended periods.

[KonaLinda]

lovely flowers. That looks like a large lava rock in the photo. I don't think you picked that up in NY!

[Bud]

Originally Posted by KonaLinda

lovely flowers. That looks like a large lava rock in the photo. I don't think you picked that up in NY!

Thank You, KonaLinda !
I got the foot and a half rock from a mineral gemshow at midtown Manhattan, but according to the seller, it came from the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho, United States back in the 60's. I have it outdoors to weather and get used to my environment so that I can transfer my Neos and let it thrive on it.

---------- Post added at 02:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:17 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Orchids4ever

Very nicely grown ,Bud
Love the colour .

Thank you for your kind encouraging words, Monika!

---------- Post added at 02:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:27 PM ----------

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

Wow! I loooove the color!

Thank you, Sonya!

[KonaLinda]

[QUOTE=Bud;809191]Thank You, KonaLinda !
I got the foot and a half rock from a mineral gemshow at midtown Manhattan, but according to the seller, it came from the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho, United States back in the 60's. I have it outdoors to weather and get used to my environment so that I can transfer my Neos and let it thrive on it.[COLOR="Silver"]

Looks a lot like the lava rocks here in Hawaii! Never been to the park mentioned so there must be lava there also. it's a cool rock

[Orchids4ever]

Very nicely grown ,Bud
Love the colour .

[WhiteRabbit]

Wow! I loooove the color!

[Leafmite]

The color is fantastic! It is really a pretty one!

[Bud]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

The color is fantastic! It is really a pretty one!

Thank you, Leafmite!

---------- Post added at 05:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:13 PM ----------

Looks a lot like the lava rocks here in Hawaii! Never been to the park mentioned so there must be lava there also. it's a cool rock[/QUOTE]

Right, any volcano will have lava rock anywhere in the world. Even the volcanoes near the north or south pole will also bring forth lava rocks. Unless they cool off amalgamated with other minerals then the colors will differ.

---------- Post added at 05:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:20 PM ----------

Originally Posted by nikkik

Beautiful flowers!!!

Thank you, nikkik!!!!

---------- Post added at 05:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:23 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Pattywack

Gorgeous blooms, I'm seeing little jazz hands. Love the color.

Thank you, Pattywack !!!! love the 'little jazz hands' allegory

---------- Post added at 05:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:32 PM ----------

Originally Posted by tryingtoflower

Thank you for giving such great culture information. I love your posts because you so readily share information on your beautiful plants.

You are most welcome.
I try to provide others with my culture and my own personal process of growing and flowering my orchids. I try to provide the history of the orchid and where it originated so we know the temperature and humidity of that area and try to mimic it in our environment. Lab created hybrids are tricky because the plants have to gradually acclimatize to the outdoor/indoor 4 season changes of my apartment. Yet, they all thrive in my care. Just never forget we are endowed with common sense and the innate love for orchids.

---------- Post added at 05:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:42 PM ----------

Originally Posted by gngrhill

Your plant is lovely and thanks also for the growing info, very informative.

Thank you !

It is not enough to post pictures and provide the proper name of the orchid.
I feel others must know where I obtained the plant, the area of origin of the parent specie and how I grow the plant in my environment or zone.
I sometimes have to improvise and I always do my research about the plant, learn who among the other members have it and how they grow it and most of all be realistic. Grow orchids that will survive in your environment. As much as possible I do not like to kill any plant.

[nikkik]

Beautiful flowers!!!

[Pattywack]

Gorgeous blooms, I'm seeing little jazz hands. Love the color.