Gift from a friend. Was told it was an epidendrum.

[Cattleya231117]

I am not sure what this is. I was told it was an epidendrum but am having doubts. It does look like a little dendrobium i saw on a YouTube video.

[Fairorchids]

It probably is. Pot in a small plastic pot with spagnum, and let it set roots.

[Roberta]

Looks like an Epidendrum keiki to me as well.

[Dollythehun]

I agree, probably one if the reed stems.

[Cattleya231117]

Thank you very much everyone
Any idea what i can use instead of moss? Its not easy to find moss in my country. Spagnum that is.

[Dollythehun]

Oh, fiddle! I forgot you had a reed stem epi. You can put it in a terrestrial mix or coarse potting soil with some bark added.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Cattleya231117

Thank you very much everyone
Any idea what i can use instead of moss? Its not easy to find moss in my country. Spagnum that is.

Even a very well-drained potting soil could be used. Or small bark with a little soil added. If soil is well drained, these can even be grown in the ground. In warm/temperate climates, these grow very easily. Since this one only has a small root, I suggest that you tie it to a small stake (or wood barbecue skewer, etc) before you plant it - the stake will extend down into the medium and hold it stable until it can grow some more roots.

---------- Post added at 02:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:23 PM ----------

In southern California I have even seen reed-stem Epidendrums used as landscape plants. I imagine they will be even easier and more forgiving in your more tropical environment.

[Optimist]

What medium really doesn't matter. Many people use corks, broken rock, lava rock, shells, marbles. The only thing is that it needs both airflow and slow loss of moisture. Some orchids need drying overnight, meaning faster drainage and faster drying. Crushed leaves, for instance, retain more moisture. The only problem is that they also will rot quickly (decompose) which will create too much nitrogen than is good for the plant and also acidify the root zone too much. Many orchids are mounted on pieces of wood. Coconut husk is a good go-to medium, the hairy part, or the hull if you can get it shredded. Some people use half a coconut husk as a "cup" just drill some holes in it for air-flow.

Moss really is not necessary unless it is what you can find that will work. Many people use live moss to decorate the pot, just make sure there is air-flow to the roots. Live moss is very dense.

[Cattleya231117]

Yes i understand now. Thank you all so much. I think am going to try a mount as suggested by some users. I just need to find a good wood.