Epidendrum poor mans orchid

[Paul Mc]

What exactly is this, a species or hybrid? I see it referenced a lot seems no one gives a specific name to it. Also, I've been told the one I have can go in regular soil!!!!!!!! REALLy? That seems somewhat counter intuitive, especially since I grow a lot of terrestrial orchids. I did special ground work for all of the ones I have and leave out year round in Missouri.

[neb]

Do you have any pictures so we can identify which Epidendrum you have? Because Epidendrum is a whole genus some of which are terrestrial. There is also another plant, Schizanthus, butterfly flower, an Impatiens I believe that is know as "poor mans orchid"

[Paul Mc]

Well, this one came in soil, but it sure looks like an orchid, lol...

[WhiteRabbit]

That's definitely an Epidendrum. I have read that they used to be commonly referred to as "poor man's orchid " - I have read they can be grown in regular potting mix but I once tried that - plant was not happy at all. Did much better after getting potted into bark mix. I now have both my Epis in coconut husk chips mix (they love water!)

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If you got your Epidendrum at a local hardware store, it most likely is a hybrid. Unfortunately, I have a difficult time distinguishing the NOID hybrids from the species, so I can't say with any kind of certainty - hence the "most likely".

However...

I will say that if what you have is Epidendrum radicans, they do grow terrestrially.

[Paul Mc]

So, since it came in dirt, I'm assuming regular miracle grow potting mix would be alright. Or should I be on the safe side and use a cymbidium mix. I've got a lot of the cymbidium mix but nothing to use it on, lol...

[WhiteRabbit]

what's in the Cym mix? Epidendrums do love water, and to be moist (like Cyms).

[Bud]

I have my Epis on bark, coco chips , lava rock, charcoal and a handful of potting soil...potted
Cym mix is also good ...
Philip is right...it looks like a radicans with the flower picture...I have my radicans posted a while ago...
its not poorman orchid anymore: it costs $15 per four stems in a pot at Lowe's(16" long with flowers)

[Paul Mc]

I bought this as a replacement for a hybrid that had a virus. Figured it was going to the trash, so bought it online for about $12 or so.

Thanks Bud. I will be reporting it when I get back home today then.

[dounoharm]

ahh, the lovely reed stemmed epi....miner grow in standard bark mix and do really well, i need to repot soon! i just happened to take these pics this morning, they grow in the hottest corner of the gh....