Epidendrum ciliare flower problem

[MEKMCC]

I have a problem and hope someone can help.

I've have an Epidendrum ciliare for about 4 years. It was in bud when I bought it and had lovely flowers shortly after. The plant is seemingly healthy, putting out new shoots and spikes (4 this time). The problem is that when the flowers begin to open they are wrinkled and never fully open. Occasionally a flower will completely open but even then there will be kinks in the sepal/petals and the frilly labellum never fully opens. The flowers have a slight yellow tinge and fairly quickly (within a week or so) all the flowers on a stalk will start to turn brown.

Facts that may be relevant:

1. I'm growing it in Aussie Gold
2. I fertilize "weekly weakly" with a variety of orchid fertilizers, cutting back in late fall and winter.
3. On average, I water once a week - more in the summer, less in the winter.
4. I use weak SuperThrive when I water.
5. About every 6-8 weeks I flush plants with plain water.
6. Humidity at the indoor plant stand where it lives until the flowers are about ready to open is 50%. Once I move it upstairs that drops to around 40%.
7. I have had mealybug problems (none apparent now) and use Ortho systemic (2 treatments about a week apart). I also treat when I move plants in at the end of the summer.
8. When I move plants in I also treat with Phytan 27 and Physan 20

If there's anything else you need to know, please ask. I'd love any advice, theories or help you can offer.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

My first *guess* is humidity. From your description of the way the bloom looks, it sounds like it needs more water. That said, after reading the "facts" I wonder if by chance you sprayed the blooms or buds when watering or treating with the different pest treatments? Either of these or both together could cause the issue you mention. Since I am the first to get to your thread with a response, I will say what every other senior member is probably thinking: Post up a photo of the issue and let us take a look.

Glad you are here. I hope we can help you figure this one out.

Cheers,
BD

[orchid-man]

I think that humidity may be the problem here coupled with the move from downstairs to upstairs.Another thing we are not informed of the temperature difference,this could also play a part.

[Pindar]

Yes, it sounds like the usual humidity deficit. What does not help is that I certainly think you feed too much and probably impede the plant's water intake at the roots as well- due to salt buildup in the rooting medium... your flushes are too infrequent. Feed only every third watering. But first I would repot into fresh medium.

I have not grown this particular Epi but I have found Epidendrum and Encyclia / Prosthecea orchids are among the orchids that can be sensitive to marked fluctuations in humidity, showing deformed development in leaves and blooms. I try to avoid the roots drying out too much between watering and this prevents the problem from reappearing. (But there is one Epi/Enc hybrid I have that conrinues to disappoint, so I do sympathise!)

I really hope your lovely plant gets well.

[Jef09071984]

Epidendrum loves getting watered regularly to keep the medium moist but not sogging wet, it also loves brigth cattleya light exposure....