How to Grow an Epidendrum

• 1

  Mix equal portions of any type of small crushed gravel or sand, charcoal and peat moss.

• 2

  Spread out the mixture evenly onto a baking sheet. Sterilize this mixture for about 30 minutes by steaming it in an oven set to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. The mixture should be cooled completely before using.

• 3

  Scoop out the growing mixture into the planting pot. Fill the container so that is a little more than one-half full.

• 4

  Remove the epidendrum from its current growing container. Using a small mallet, strike along the container in a downward manner until the container slides free from the root system.

• 5

  Plant the epidendrum into its new pot. Scoop in a little planting mix to secure the plant in place. Then make sure it's sitting vertical in the container and is planted no deeper than it was growing at previously.

• 6

  Fill the container with planting mix, gently pressing it down around the plant.

• 7

  Dip the epidendrum into a bucket or basin that contains 2 to 3 inches of water. Once the container is no longer producing air bubbles, remove it from the water.

Caring for Epidendrums

• 8

  Fertilize the epidendrum once every 30 days. Use a 10-10-10 water soluble fertilizer at the rate of 1 to 1 1/2 tsp. to every gallon of water.

• 9

  Place the epidendrum where it receives morning light but limited afternoon sun. A good location is near a window that faces east.

• 10

  Provide the proper temperature range for the epidendrum. The ideal temperature is between 60 and 90 F during the daytime and 50 to 70 F during the night.

• 11

  Water the epidendrum carefully because overwatering is harmful. Soak the soil throughout when watering, making sure the surface of the soil is allowed to become bone dry before watering.

• 12

  Remove dead blossoms, or stems, using a pair of sterile garden snips. To sterilize the snips, dampen a paper towel with 80 percent isopropyl alcohol. Rub the blades of the snips with the alcohol-dampened paper towel.