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Epidendrum
(They are Epiphyte )
Are easily propagated, yielding many plants from one stem and they are tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions, including outdoors. They are propagated by plantlets that form after flowering. These sun loving orchids needs bright light and can be grown in any fine-textured orchid mix. They are best grown in a compost consisting of bark, tree fern fiber and sphagnum moss. They can tolerate wide range of temperatures and are able to stand temperatures in the 100º range without suffering. During the growing season they require plenty of water and fresh air. Don't let the plants completely dry between watering. Epidendrium orchids require copious amounts of fertilizer. Fertilize every two weeks with a diluted orchid food. When fertilized regularly they respond immediately with denser flower spikes, greener, stronger leaves and more robust roots.
Watering
Orchids require abundant moisture at their roots, especially when in active growth. When the pseudobulbs are mature, the watering should be somewhat curtailed. They should be placed in a very well-draining medium. Water once or twice times a week in relatively cool weather, but at least 3 times a week in hot weather.Light to moderate through the growing season at this location. The summer rainy season in the more southerly regions of the habitat is much wetter than indicated in the climate table, however. Most regions experience a pronounced winter dry season ranging in length from 1 to 6 months. Cultivated plants should be kept moist with only slight drying allowed between waterings while actively growing.
Temperature
Summer days average 87-89F (31-32C), and nights average 70-71F (21-22C), with a diurnal range of 17-18F (9-10C). In the higher elevation habitat in Costa Rica, conditions summer conditions are 12-15F (7-8C) cooler than indicated in the receding climate table.
Humidity
Enjoy moist air, requiring a minimum of 40-50% humidity in the immediate vicinity of the plant. Humidity should be increased with higher temperatures. The ideal humidity is between 55 and 75%, with as much ventilation or air movement as possible without any cold drafts. Humidity can be increased around the plant by placing the pot on an inverted saucer in a baking pan filled with pebbles, rock chips, etc., and water. Keep water level below top of pebbles so that the plant will not have "wet feet" from setting in water. Morning misting of foliage is also helpful, especially during periods of hot weather
light
These plants require a large amount of light. once established, filtered sunlight should be supplied. Both Epidendrum grow very well in a area with house screening overhead, such as a pool or patio enclosure. The ideal location is an east facing area, where the plants will get morning sun, but not the hot afternoon sun. The light: 2500-3500 fc. Light should be somewhat filtered or diffused, and plants should not be exposed to direct midday sun. Strong air movement should be provided at all times.
Fertilize
Orchids should be fed consistently, when in full growth. During the Spring through early Fall, fertilizing every seven days, with several clear waterings in between, will make your plants happy. In the late Fall through Winter, a light feeding once a month will suffice. fertilize every two weeks with a general-purpose water-soluble fertilizer (N 20-P 20-K 20 or perhaps a N 15-P 30-K 15). If you want longer lasting fertilizers, consider using Osmocote N 14-P 14-K 14, usually applied about three times a year.These plants are easily propagated from small plantlets that form on growth stocks and flower stems called “keiki”. When they have three or four leaves and about 2 inches of “air” roots, they can be cut off or snapped off and planted directly in the potting mix.
Repotting
Orchids should not be frequently repotted; every two or three years is well enough. The best time to repot a Phaius orchid is right after flowering. In order to promote flowering the common year you can split clumps of pseudobulbs into small groups consisting of 3-4 pseudobulbs
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Phaius tribe are terrestial, sympodial orchids with large, decorative plicate leaves, jointed at the base and a tall erect inflorescnce rising from the leaf axil on the side of the pseudobulb. The Southeast Asian varieties prefer to be in a moist to damp environment and not allowed to dry out. Pricing per 2 pseudobulbs unless noted otherwise.
Watering
Keeping Phaius orchids evenly moist year round, except when new growth has matured, is an essential part of good Phaius orchid care. When new growth has matured the orchid should be left to dry out for 3 to 4 weeks. Never water directly on the foliage of your Phaius; keep the substrate moist by watering directly into the pot. Water your Phaius orchid in the morning so that there is plenty of time for any spilled water to evaporate from the foliage before sunset
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Phaius orchids is 60-75 F (16-24 C) night and day. A well established and healthy Phaius orchid will however normally tolerate temperatures down to 40 F (10 C) and up to 95 F (32 C) as long as it is not subjected to prolonged exposure. Improper temperatures can however hamper growth and should be avoided as much as possible.
Humidity
Enjoy moist air, requiring a minimum of 40-50% humidity in the immediate vicinity of the plant. Humidity should be increased with higher temperatures. The ideal humidity is between 55 and 75%, with as much ventilation or air movement as possible without any cold drafts. Humidity can be increased around the plant by placing the pot on an inverted saucer in a baking pan filled with pebbles, rock chips, etc., and water. Keep water level below top of pebbles so that the plant will not have "wet feet" from setting in water. Morning misting of foliage is also helpful, especially during periods of hot weather
light
The Phaius orchid thrives in bright light to light shade. If the leaves become dark green, your orchid is probably not getting enough light. If the leaves become yellow, your plant might have been exposed to sunlight that is a bit to harsh for it. The leaves are extra susceptible to sunburn if the Phaius orchid is suddenly moved form a shaded spot to a brighter location. Bright lighting should therefore be introduced gradually.
Composts
Composts for growing orchids are a subject of great interest, and individual growers enjoy experimenting with slightly varying mixes to find the ones that work best under their particular glasshouse conditions. The style of growing will determine composts to some extent; a very coarse mix is suitable for those who like to water frequently, while a finer mix holds moisture much longer. At Kew the compost mixture is prepared or chosen to suit the size and habit of each plant.
Temperate terrestrials, such as the winter-flowering Australian and South African terrestrials, are grown in a mixture of: 3 parts grit, 2 parts fine bark, 1 part leaf mould and 1 part unsterilised loam.
For tropical terrestrials, the grit and loam content of the compost is lower than that used for the temperate terrestrial orchids and the leaf mould and peat content is higher. Many forest and woodland orchids in the tropics have a shallow rooting system, which is limited to the layer of litter overlying the soil. Good drainage is essential
Fertilize
Phaius orchids are heavy feeders that need ample amounts of nutrients to thrive. Organic fertilizers such as manure teas and fish emulsions are used by many dedicated growers since they are known to be appreciated by the Phaius orchids. If you prefer to use an ordinary salt based fertilizer, a balanced (N 20 P-20 K-20) fertilizer should be used for general growth and maintenance. Fertilize every other watering during the warm season.
Potting
A majority of the species in the genus Phaius are terrestrial, which means that they are used to growing in the ground. The potting medium should however still be well draining since a soggy medium can cause root destruction. You can for instance mix one part ordinary houseplant potting mix with one part seedling bark and one part well-rotted cow or horse manure. Another popular combination is one part fir bark or lava rock, one part shredded sphagnum moss, one part cow manure, and one part potting soil.
Repotting
Phaius orchids should not be frequently repotted; every two or three years is well enough. The best time to repot a Phaius orchid is right after flowering. In order to promote flowering the common year you can split clumps of pseudobulbs into small groups consisting of 3-4 pseudobulbs
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