Growing Epidendrum propax

[Redhead59]

I would like to get a epidendrum propax, are they very difficult to grow?

redhead59

[Nevermore]

I got one about a year ago, mounted on cork. It took a month to situate itself... but then just took off... making side growths on side growths. When i bought it... it had about 4 heads that just bloomed... now I have about 20 that will bloom this year.... can't wait

I added a bit more spag to the mount to retain more water, so i water once a day... or at least mist it. Intermediate light and temps.

[Misty]

Hi,
these plants are easy to grow and give good value. After the first flush of flowers in autumn, the plant kept flowering all winter and has only just stopped (southern hemisphere).

This one is mounted on wood and is suspended above the fishpond in my GH. This provides it with year round humidity. Fans are running 24/7 to keep air circulation up, and the plant is usually misted once a day, but in dull weather in winter it can go a week without misting and this does not appear to damage the plant. Minimum winter temperatures have gone down to 2*C without harm or interruption to flowering so the plant is quite hardy. It seems to take orchids a year to adapt to cooler temperatures than those recommended.
Cheers,
Misty

[ATester]

From everything that I have read (and my experience with my current Epidendrum) they are one of the easiest orchids to get along with. I'd actually be more inclined to suggest one to a new grower over the Phals (sorry if I stepped on anyone's toes there ) simply due to their ease. How tall do the Epidenrum propax get? Some of the reed stemmed types can get really tall from what I have read.

[Redhead59]

Oh Misty,
Your porpax is beautiful..... That's it, i'm going to get one, they are great looking plants. Thanks for all the replies to my question about them.

[WolfinKW]

That is one pretty plant. Sure wouldn't mind having one myself.

Wolf

[mde]

I agree Misty, that is a fantastic specimen plant. And from what I can tell in the photo, I'm very jealous of your beautiful growing area! Thanks for the photo.

Matt

[bench72]

Wow Misty!!! That sure is one happy looking plant and all those flowers... how old is that plant? BTW, thanks for the info about growing conditions...

cheers
tim

[Misty]

I believe the plant is about 12 years old. I have had it for the last two years. Prior to that it was grown in Auckland, NZ which has a milder climate than we do. 3 frosts a year is about the maximum. We have more than that. Last year the GH minimum went down to -2*C with no harm to the orchids, but they are kept very dry over the winter months and all watering is done by dunking root systems only, and keeping foliage dry. Spring is well underway now, so the plants are being sprayed and hosed irregulalry now to help initiate spring growth.
Cheers,
Misty