Care of crucifix orchids

[crobbo]

Hi, can anyone tell me how you "cultivate" crucifix orchids. Can you take cuttings....divide them etc?

Thanks

[kmarch]

I'm not sure what you mean by "cultivate" as it sounds like perhaps you mean "propagate"? To cultivate just means "to grow" but it sounds like you want to get more plants? Epidendrum (their proper name) can be propagated by division, seed, or from a "keiki" which si a new plant that grows off the side or top of a stem. To propagate by division you want a good sized clump then you can just cut off a clump of 3-4 canes and pot them up separately. Keikis can be removed once they have 2-3 roots 2-3 inches long and potted up separately. Growing from seed involves flasking and sterile conditions and isn't usually dome by a hobbiest though it is occasionally.

[patticake]

Hi crobbo! I moved this to a new category (thread). I figured folks might see it here better.

[digitalgate]

i think he mean grow.

[kmarch]

If you're looking for info on how to grow them, they generally take Cattleya conditions. Take a look at the Cattleya culture sheet on this forum, the one found at: AOS | Home, or the thread found here: Epi care and cultivation

[Helen1200]

Can I grow a crucifix orchid bare root against a tree or should I pot it?

[Brisbanite]

Originally Posted by Helen1200

Can I grow a crucifix orchid bare root against a tree or should I pot it?

You can do either, they do like the full sun. If you are tying to a tree, just put some damp spagnum moss around the roots, and tie with a stocking. If in a pot, I just use loose potting mix.

[Anton]

They'll grow almost anywhere, any how.

They are like a weed and it takes a very special and skilled person to kill 'em.

[tangers40]

Originally Posted by Anton

They'll grow almost anywhere, any how.

They are like a weed and it takes a very special and skilled person to kill 'em.

then i must be more awesome than i thought

i had one and killed it in a rather quick manner. go figure.

[PaphMadMan]

Originally Posted by kmarch

I'm not sure what you mean by "cultivate" as it sounds like perhaps you mean "propagate"? To cultivate just means "to grow" but it sounds like you want to get more plants? Epidendrum (their proper name) can be propagated by division, seed, or from a "keiki" which si a new plant that grows off the side or top of a stem. To propagate by division you want a good sized clump then you can just cut off a clump of 3-4 canes and pot them up separately. Keikis can be removed once they have 2-3 roots 2-3 inches long and potted up separately. Growing from seed involves flasking and sterile conditions and isn't usually dome by a hobbiest though it is occasionally.

Assuming "crucifix orchid" means a reedstem Epidendrum such as E. radicans and related types (always a HUGE assumption making a connection between any common name and a specific type of orchid as people can and do mix and match and make things up at will)... These can easily be propagated by cuttings, and that is the usual means of commercial propagation of common types.