Epidendrum Tampensis

[Gutz54]

For some reason I seem to have trouble growing this species-- not problem with other Epidendrums for some reason. Can't seem to get the fertilizer/watering down correctly? Any advice???

[lmartiny]

Need a picture. I'm no expert, but I think Epidendrum and Tampensis are different species.

[orchids4me]

I do believe this one is a florida native. I could be wrong.....

[gnathaniel]

Now known as Encyclia tampensis, and as Emmaye said it's a Florida native so grows well in intermediate temperatures (I'm told it's tolerant of anything from 30 to 105 F). Mine seem to do best with bright light but not full sun, frequent watering, and good drainage; I grow a couple mounted and also have some in wood or treefern baskets. Fertilizer is the same as I give almost everything else, a weak feeding of MSU or Dyna-Gro 1-3 times per month. Maybe someone else with more experience will chime in.

Can you elaborate on the problems you're having? Are you experiencing rot of new growths, dehydration, something else entirely?

[lmartiny]

That name makes more sense. I just posted somewhere else about this orchid. I'd read that it is named after Tampa where it was found to grow abundantly, before the land was developed.

[Gutz54]

Thanks everyone!! The leaves are turning brown and falling off-- I water them and fert. as all my other epidendrums/encyclias which seem to be doing well. These are plants that I salvaged from several cedar trees that blew down on a piece of property I own here in Fla. They are actually still attached to the branches that I cut off the fallen trunks. I realize they are protected but I just could not leave them to perish on the ground. I must be doing something wrong or they need something specific that I'm not providing??

[Epipactis12]

Perhaps your plants are experiencing some type of shock? If they were well established on cedar trees, they probably had lots of roots up and down the trunk. Maybe some of those were torn off? If yes, then the plant would need to drop foliage to maintain its usual root to shoot ratio. My guess is that they will gradually recover with your TLC.

[gnathaniel]

I agree, shock sounds likely. Sometimes just a change in light or air movement, or root loss as epipactis mentioned, can stress a plant. As long as the pseudobulbs are okay I wouldn't worry too much about some leaf drop, they'll get new ones when they put out new growth. How big are the plants, by the way? Do you have any pictures of them?

[otis 226]

Also, I believe the mortality rate of trying to domesticate a wild orchid are extremely high. My little Encyclia tampensis was raised from seed in a nursery and is doing well. Good luck with your rescue attempt, I understand your motives in trying to save it.
Tony