Epidendrum hokulea 'Sunset'

[drtd]

Anyone have any success in growing reed-stem Epidendrums on mounts? I constantly hear about the southerners growing them in their flower gardens and how fantastic they look, but that's not an option for me up here in the Pacific NW. I have two in pots, and they do alright, but I would like to try one of them out on a cedar branch. They like it dry, and have tons of aerial roots, so maybe they would do OK. Any thought?

[isurus79]

In Hawaii, the reed stem Epi's grow well in the ground, so I don't know if they like it all that dry.

[drtd]

I thought the same, and had about 20 of them in my greenhouse in high humidity with regular watering, and lost all but 2. As soon as I removed the last 2 and moved them inside into a south facing window and started drying them out between waterings, the flourished. They have grown to four times their original size in the 2 years since, and flowered numerous times. This is what leads me to think that they might do well on mounts. My only issue is size. They can grow into rather large clumps.

-Danny

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by drtd

I thought the same, and had about 20 of them in my greenhouse in high humidity with regular watering, and lost all but 2. As soon as I removed the last 2 and moved them inside into a south facing window and started drying them out between waterings, the flourished. They have grown to four times their original size in the 2 years since, and flowered numerous times. This is what leads me to think that they might do well on mounts. My only issue is size. They can grow into rather large clumps.

-Danny

Shoot, if you've found a way to keep them happy, why change it up?

[drtd]

Aesthetics mostly :-) also, a little curiosity. Most reed stems are said to be epiphytic in the wild, so I thought I would experiment. I like to simulate natural habitats as much as possible.

-Danny

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by drtd

Aesthetics mostly :-) also, a little curiosity. Most reed stems are said to be epiphytic in the wild, so I thought I would experiment. I like to simulate natural habitats as much as possible.

-Danny

Well, there's only way to find out! Maybe take cutting from one of your larger plants as its putting out new roots and try it on a mount.

[drtd]

Insurance is the best policy! I'll post pics when its done!

-Danny

[Vanda lover]

I kept losing mine until I put them in s/h. They like that fine.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Tried mounted, but they did not do so well, the best results I have so far is potted in Aussie Gold, so I will stick with that:-)

[drtd]

Originally Posted by TOMMYMIAMI

Tried mounted, but they did not do so well, the best results I have so far is potted in Aussie Gold, so I will stick with that:-)

Good to know. What all is in Aussie Gold?

-Danny