Epidendrum with blackening stem. - Orchid Board

Cattleya231117 · #1 03-25-2018, 11:37 AM

This epi was a gift. I was told to put it in semi hydro. But now i see the tip of the stem starting to blackened. It is a reed epi. What should i do? Cut it off? Here are before and after pics

dounoharm · #2 03-25-2018, 02:01 PM

I think it would magke roots from the stem if you put it in a plastic bag with moist sphagnum...do not seal the bag! just keep the moisture in the moss, and be very patient.....

estación seca · #3 03-25-2018, 02:09 PM

It looks like an insect or snail might have eaten it. Is that possible?

Tiny Epidendrum plants need to have their roots constantly moist but exposed to air. S/H can work if the medium is constantly moist. Damp sphagnum moss in a plastic bag can also work.

Cattleya231117 · #4 03-25-2018, 02:21 PM

Hello. Thank you so much for your advice. If i may, can i ask what can i use instead of spagnum as it isn't easy to obtain this in my country. Even the leca was hard to find. The leca does stay moist though.

Do you think i should cut the black part of the stem off? :/

Dollythehun · #5 03-25-2018, 02:40 PM

I wouldn't cut. Those plants can pop roots from even dead looking stems, speaking from experience. Use a damp paper towel.

Roberta · #6 03-25-2018, 02:59 PM

I have had plenty of success just sticking that Epi in fine bark, well above the root (you can tie it to a wood skewer that can go deeper into the medium for stability) It can definitely pop new roots out of the stem above where the root is don't cut. Just keep it damp.

Cattleya231117 · #7 03-26-2018, 02:07 AM

Thank you very much for your time everyone. I was wondering if i could leave it in semi hydroponics? What do you think?

estación seca · #8 03-26-2018, 06:05 AM

If the roots stay moist you can use S/H.

Cattleya231117 · #9 03-26-2018, 09:13 AM

There isn't any insect that could have munched on the plant. There is only one root and it does stay moist. But the blackening of the stem is getting worse. Should i really not cut it off?

Roberta · #10 03-26-2018, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cattleya231117

There isn't any insect that could have munched on the plant. There is only one root and it does stay moist. But the blackening of the stem is getting worse. Should i really not cut it off?

The area where it is growing is where new roots will come out - if you cut it you will probably cut away the area where it could grow new roots, killing it for sure.