Epidendrum with blackening stem.
 

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

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.....

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.

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? :/

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

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.

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

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

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.

Thank you i understand now. Alright I'll leave it be. Is there a way to reduce the progression of the blackening?

I think you have to let nature do what it wants... with just that one little root, either it will grow more or it won't....

That's sad :(
I'll do what everyone said. Thank you very much for all the advice.

It might help you to see how these grow.

Very beautiful plants you have. Congratulations. The mushy stem of mine is very discouraging though you know? Anyways ill try to save it

I wish I could send you some more (and much bigger) Epidendrum keikis... alas, international rules being what they are, I'm afraid just not possible.

Me too, but the point is that they are tough. It may well sprout above the black mush. I cut one the other day that looked d.e.a.d. and it was green inside. You can see all the keikis in my photo.

Thank you so much for the thought roberta. It is very touching.

You have gorgeous plants dolly. Yes ive heard that they are very tough. But you never know with orchids. Lets hope this little guy makes it.