Growing Instructions - Epidendrums
Epidendrums are one of the most rewarding orchids to grow. They can tolerate temperatures of extreme heat and go down to freezing as well as direct sunlight and general neglect and still reward their grower with lots of colorful blooms, often year-round. This is why they are referred to as the everblooming jewels of the garden. Reedstems account for only a few of the 1000 species in the epidendrum genus. They are distributed from Mexico through Brazil, occuring at elevations ranging from sea level up to 8000 feet and are usually growing terrestrially in a damp humus.
This orchid likes bright filtered light, although it's been known to tolerate long periods of direct light. If your epidendrum isn't blooming it likely needs more light. if the plant's foliage is truning red, you may want to give it less sun.
Temperature
Day temperatures on the
70's and 80's (F) are perfect but even higher temperaturesc up to and
over100º are not harmful. Night temperatures down to 32ºF are
fine.
Water
Watering, like with all other orchids,
is done as needed. Under our conditions watering once a week with
occasional wetting down during warm times is sufficient. To
determine the best time to water, simply lift the pot and note the weight;
you want to water the day before the plant would be completely
dry.
Fertilizer
Regular feeding promotes good
growth. Use a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 7-9-5 or one a
little higher in nitrogen (10-5-5). A yearly application of a slow
release fertilizer suchas Osmocote is a convenient way to
fertilize.
Repotting
We pot our epi's in
plastic pots using fine fir bark. Clay pots also work. Many
people grow them successfully in the ground with well-draining
soil.
SANTA BARBARA ORCHID ESTATE
1250
Orchid Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93111 +++
1-805-967-1284 +++
www.sborchid.com