How to Care for Epidendrum

Water an Epidendrum orchid's soil deeply once or twice each week until water drains through the bottom of the plant's pot. During hot and dry weather, water the soil three times each week. Reduce watering frequency to about once per week during fall and winter, when the plant doesn't grow actively.

Fertilize the orchid once each week from spring through fall with 20-20-20 or 30-10-10, non-urea, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to one-half strength. Diluting most fertilizer formulas requires using 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of fertilizer per 1 gallon of tap, distilled or bottled water. Use 20-20-20 fertilizer if the orchid is planted in tree fern, charcoal or inorganic material. Use 30-10-10 fertilizer if the orchid is planted in fir bark. Replace watering once per week with this fertilizer solution. Apply the solution directly to the plant's soil, and avoid letting it touch the plant's foliage. Use enough of the fertilizer solution so that it drips from the bottom of the orchid's pot.

Spray the plant's flower buds with acephate insecticide to prevent damage from aphids, thrips, ants and scale. Another solution for controlling insects is made by mixing 70 percent rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle with a few drops of liquid dish detergent. Saturate the plant, including the underside of leaves, with either that solution or acephate insecticide once each week until the pests are gone.