Why is it called crucifix orchid?

The common name ‘crucifix orchid’ refers to the lip of the flower (called the labellum), which resembles a small, gold cross. Crucifix orchids are tough, easy to grow, easily propagated and they have vivid, long lasting flowers. In fact, they are an excellent beginner’s orchid.

How do you care for a crucifix orchid?

This epiphytic species makes a nice container plant.

1. Place the crucifix orchid in a sunny location where it will receive full sun for at least four hours a day to bloom and grow strong stems.
2. Keep the soil moist during spring and summer, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings during fall and winter.

How do you grow an epidendrum orchid?

How to Grow an Epidendrum

1. Grow the Epidendrum in fir bark potting medium.
2. Place the orchid in a semishaded area and gradually reintroduce it to full sunlight.
3. Feed the plant weekly with a 30-10-10 fertilizer during the growing period.

How do you prune an epidendrum orchid?

You can remove the old flower spikes and stems by snapping or cutting them at the base of the plant. Although pruning is not necessary for re-blooming. Often the flower stalk will bloom again in a couple of months. The flower stalk sometimes will produce a Keiki (baby plant) and the baby can be removed and planted.

Can you grow crucifix orchid in water?

Growing orchids in water provides the plant with a cultural situation that allows just enough moisture during the soaking and then allows the aerial roots to dry to prevent pathogens. Simply un-pot the plant, remove any media (including moss and bark bits) and gently tease the roots out from their tight little tangle.

What do you plant a crucifix orchid in?

Crucifix orchids are a great beginner’s orchid – they are tough and easy to grow, with long lasting flowers. They can be grown in pots in a free-draining mix, amongst rocks in the garden, or in soil. They like a frost-free climate and flower best in a full sun position.

How do you water an epidendrum?

Water. Epidendrums need regular watering to flourish, but their roots do prefer to dry out properly in-between times. In the warmer months, they’ll need watering at least once a week and possibly more frequently. In the cooler months, you won’t need to water so often.

Should I remove Keikis?

If a keiki is removed too early, it may not be strong enough to survive the transplant and grow as an individual plant. Wait until it has several small leaves and roots that are two to three inches long before you remove it.

How do you water an Epidendrum?

Can I grow an orchid from a cutting?

Although most orchids won’t grow from cuttings, some members of the Dendrobium genus will produce new plants from stem cuttings. The Noble Dendrobium (Dendrobium nobile) is one such species. Grown as a houseplant, it provides an impressive display of flowers from late winter to early summer.

What conditions do Crucifix Orchids like?

What kind of orchid is Epidendrum elongatum?

Epidendrum elongatum is an orchid species identified by Jacq. in 1791. Culture information and photos for this orchid are commonly detailed under the currently accepted name of Epidendrum secundum . Epidendrum (Epi.)

What kind of climate does an Epidendrum live in?

The plants are used to low nutrient sites and can live on just bark or grow in pots with orchid medium. The plants are amazingly adapted to a variety of conditions. Warm interior conditions are the plant’s preferred state, but they will tolerate temperatures down to 50 F. (10 C.).

What kind of conditions do you need to grow an Epidendrum orchid?

Conditions must be perfect and sterile in order to achieve a replica of the parent plant. Most novices who try growing Epidendrum orchids themselves get a hybrid mix instead of a true copy. Fortunately, the Epidendrum orchid plants are readily available. Epidendrum orchid care is minimal.

What kind of light does an Epidendrum need?

Epidendrums cannot survive freezing conditions but do well in almost any temperature above 50 F. (10 C.). While they prefer indirect bright light, they perform nicely in brighter to dimmer conditions. Cut off the spent flower stems and you will find the plant blooming again in about two months.