Thanks Diana & Sue for the info.

I am in Central Florida and the plant is on my pool deck where it gets
direct morning light but is shaded from about 11am on (the area is
bright from reflected light from the pool).

6' plus! Its in a 5" plastic pot inside a clay pot. It likes to fall
over in summer storms which usually breaks pieces off.

What is the best way to care for this plant? Should it be potted like
other orchids or in dirt?

Should I support its tall growth? Sounds like it may need a trellis
arrangement (?). Any suggestions for keeping it from falling over?

I'd prefer to keep it in the pool area where it can be enjoyed if I
can.




On Tue, 29 May 2007 11:52:16 -0400, "Diana Kulaga"
wrote:

You are absolutely right about the root cluster, and I ought to have
mentioned it. Hmm. Wire it to the wall, huh? Maybe I will!

Diana

"SuE" wrote in message
.. .
On Mon, 28 May 2007 16:41:04 -0400, "Diana Kulaga"
wrote:

You have a reed stemmed Epidendrum. Which one, I cannot say. These often
get
very tall and rangy. From the photo, I am guessing that you grow it
outside
under screening. Is that correct? Also, where are you and what is your
climate?

The roots on the stems are keikis. That is a new plant forming. At some
point you can either leave it on or pot it up, having simply twisted it
off
the stem.

These Epis tend to stand straighter if they get the same light all day. In
my experience, they can take a good bit of sun. Some folks here in FL grow
them in the ground.

If you have recurring mealies, they are most likely in the pot, too. I
recommend that you unpot, clean the plant with that insecticidal soap and
repot into a fresh pot with new medium.

HTH!

Diana

I think you covered most of it, Diana. But Reed Stems also do throw
roots up 5-8 inches. It is as if it expected to add support. The pot
roots tend to be fairly shallow while it sending out the higher root
cluster. So not all aerial roots are keiki. Mine blooms at a height
of 6-6 1/2 feet. It permanently sits against the south wall of the gh
and is wired to the wall at about 4 feet for a bit of support.
Given enough sun and food this plant will bloom most of the year.
SuE
http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/main.php