Epidendrum Orchid

It’s also known as a crucifix orchid, because the shape of the flower resembles a cross. I’ve been the lucky caretaker of this unknown epidendrum orchid for the past several years. It produces small but intensely colored red flowers. One of the interesting things about this quickly growing orchid is that the the taller it gets, it’s more likely that a whole section will break off. This makes propagation easy.

HOW TO: When a section of this plant breaks off, it’s a very clean break. I take these sections (in the picture, there are 2) and put them in a vase or tall glass of water and nurse them in there for a few months, indoors, changing the water once a week.  I have them in my kitchen, with filtered shade. I lean my rapidly growing plants against the window to prevent them from toppling over. When ready, I will move them outside in filtered shade, plant them in regular potting soil, and water them once a week. I’ve done this with several broken sections over the years and they’ve grown into healthy, fully mature plants that flower.

TIP: When you re-introduce these “new” plants outdoors, tie them to a stake to  prevent them from toppling over. Grocery bag wire twist ties work well, but string will also work.

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