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#1
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A budding spike broke during shipping
I ordered my very first orchid, an orange Epidendrum Orchid from Smith
and Hawken. When it arrived, I noticed that a tiny spike with clustered buds had broken off from the tallest stem with a four-inch long spike (there are three other stems, much shorter and no spikes). Smith and Hawken will send me another orchid. But meanwhile, what do I do with the long healthy spike from which the buds had broken off? Do I cut it back or let it turn brown? During my google search I've noticed that many websites don't mention an Epidendrum orchid when they explain on how to grow different types of orchids. Is Epidendrum in the same family as the Cattleya? -Joan |
#2
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Joan,
Unfortunately there is no magic bullet to save the spike. If it is not completely severed from the plant you could try to put a wire splint in the pot and tie the spike to the splint. If this won't work cut it off where the spike is broken and it may send out another branch if there are buds below the break that are sleeping. I don't think Epi's normally have branching spikes so I doubt you will get another branch on this plant. Otherwise, give it lots of light and care for it appropriately and you should enjoy blooms in the future. It is very difficult to ship orchids in spike and bloom. At least S&H will send you another plant to enjoy. Good Growing, Gene "Joan" wrote in message ... I ordered my very first orchid, an orange Epidendrum Orchid from Smith and Hawken. When it arrived, I noticed that a tiny spike with clustered buds had broken off from the tallest stem with a four-inch long spike (there are three other stems, much shorter and no spikes). Smith and Hawken will send me another orchid. But meanwhile, what do I do with the long healthy spike from which the buds had broken off? Do I cut it back or let it turn brown? During my google search I've noticed that many websites don't mention an Epidendrum orchid when they explain on how to grow different types of orchids. Is Epidendrum in the same family as the Cattleya? -Joan |
#3
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Joan,
Unfortunately there is no magic bullet to save the spike. If it is not completely severed from the plant you could try to put a wire splint in the pot and tie the spike to the splint. If this won't work cut it off where the spike is broken and it may send out another branch if there are buds below the break that are sleeping. I don't think Epi's normally have branching spikes so I doubt you will get another branch on this plant. Otherwise, give it lots of light and care for it appropriately and you should enjoy blooms in the future. It is very difficult to ship orchids in spike and bloom. At least S&H will send you another plant to enjoy. Good Growing, Gene "Joan" wrote in message ... I ordered my very first orchid, an orange Epidendrum Orchid from Smith and Hawken. When it arrived, I noticed that a tiny spike with clustered buds had broken off from the tallest stem with a four-inch long spike (there are three other stems, much shorter and no spikes). Smith and Hawken will send me another orchid. But meanwhile, what do I do with the long healthy spike from which the buds had broken off? Do I cut it back or let it turn brown? During my google search I've noticed that many websites don't mention an Epidendrum orchid when they explain on how to grow different types of orchids. Is Epidendrum in the same family as the Cattleya? -Joan |
#4
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On Sat, 16 Oct 2004 21:00:35 GMT, "Gene Schurg"
wrote: Joan, Unfortunately there is no magic bullet to save the spike. If it is not completely severed from the plant you could try to put a wire splint in the pot and tie the spike to the splint. If this won't work cut it off where the spike is broken and it may send out another branch if there are buds below the break that are sleeping. I don't think Epi's normally have branching spikes so I doubt you will get another branch on this plant. Otherwise, give it lots of light and care for it appropriately and you should enjoy blooms in the future. It is very difficult to ship orchids in spike and bloom. At least S&H will send you another plant to enjoy. Good Growing, Gene Although you don't normally expect reed stem Epi to branch; I have a friend who cut all her's for a funeral arrangement. They all rebloomed. Since I have been paying more attention to mine. There seems to be as much reason to believe they will as not. Good Luck. SuE http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/albums.php |
#5
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On Sat, 16 Oct 2004 21:00:35 GMT, "Gene Schurg"
wrote: Joan, Unfortunately there is no magic bullet to save the spike. If it is not completely severed from the plant you could try to put a wire splint in the pot and tie the spike to the splint. If this won't work cut it off where the spike is broken and it may send out another branch if there are buds below the break that are sleeping. I don't think Epi's normally have branching spikes so I doubt you will get another branch on this plant. Otherwise, give it lots of light and care for it appropriately and you should enjoy blooms in the future. It is very difficult to ship orchids in spike and bloom. At least S&H will send you another plant to enjoy. Good Growing, Gene Although you don't normally expect reed stem Epi to branch; I have a friend who cut all her's for a funeral arrangement. They all rebloomed. Since I have been paying more attention to mine. There seems to be as much reason to believe they will as not. Good Luck. SuE http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/albums.php |
#6
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Susan Erickson wrote in message . ..
On Sat, 16 Oct 2004 21:00:35 GMT, "Gene Schurg" wrote: Joan, Unfortunately there is no magic bullet to save the spike. If it is not completely severed from the plant you could try to put a wire splint in the pot and tie the spike to the splint. If this won't work cut it off where the spike is broken and it may send out another branch if there are buds below the break that are sleeping. I don't think Epi's normally have branching spikes so I doubt you will get another branch on this plant. Otherwise, give it lots of light and care for it appropriately and you should enjoy blooms in the future. It is very difficult to ship orchids in spike and bloom. At least S&H will send you another plant to enjoy. Good Growing, Gene Although you don't normally expect reed stem Epi to branch; I have a friend who cut all her's for a funeral arrangement. They all rebloomed. Since I have been paying more attention to mine. There seems to be as much reason to believe they will as not. Good Luck. SuE http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/albums.php To Gene, the one-inch budding spike tip was broken off completely from the tallest stem. I found it inside the shipping box. So there is no chance in salvaging that budding spike. BTW, there are no other buds at all on that spike from which the tip had broken from. To Sue, that's amusing that one can be "abusive" in cutting all the stems while the other can "baby" the same kind of plant and have different results. It is also scary in a sense that you don't know what is the right approach. Before I continue, I want to share with you what I have learned so far. I had done some further google-research about my orchid and determined that it is a reed-stem 'Epidendrum secundum'. The following quotes are taken from the September 1998 issue of 'Orchids' (the magazine of the American Orchid Society) written by Andy Phillips and Cynthia Hill: "'Epidendrum secundum' (Andes of South America) has an upright, clumping growth habit with roots emerging from the base of the stems, at or below soil level. It readily forms keikis on old flower spikes. The leafy stems range from 1 to 30 inches, producing a ball of 30 to 40 brilliantly colored 1-inch flowers on 18 inch terminal spikes." "('Epidendrums') are easily propagated, yielding many plants from one stem," "To keep your reed-stem plant tidy, remove old flower spikes and stems down to the base by snapping them clean with your fingers or cutting with sterile clippers. This makes room for strong, new basal growths, while discouraging keikis from forming that produce shorter, smaller spikes and turn into messy, tangled plants if left untended. Plants grown in low light may need to be staked, while those growing in full sun are usually self-supporting." Since I'm going to receive a replacement, I might as well take chances with the one I have. I want to cut off that tall stem with a broken spike to its base. My question is this, where do I exactly cut the stem? Just how far above the root? Joan |
#7
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Susan Erickson wrote in message . ..
On Sat, 16 Oct 2004 21:00:35 GMT, "Gene Schurg" wrote: Joan, Unfortunately there is no magic bullet to save the spike. If it is not completely severed from the plant you could try to put a wire splint in the pot and tie the spike to the splint. If this won't work cut it off where the spike is broken and it may send out another branch if there are buds below the break that are sleeping. I don't think Epi's normally have branching spikes so I doubt you will get another branch on this plant. Otherwise, give it lots of light and care for it appropriately and you should enjoy blooms in the future. It is very difficult to ship orchids in spike and bloom. At least S&H will send you another plant to enjoy. Good Growing, Gene Although you don't normally expect reed stem Epi to branch; I have a friend who cut all her's for a funeral arrangement. They all rebloomed. Since I have been paying more attention to mine. There seems to be as much reason to believe they will as not. Good Luck. SuE http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/albums.php To Gene, the one-inch budding spike tip was broken off completely from the tallest stem. I found it inside the shipping box. So there is no chance in salvaging that budding spike. BTW, there are no other buds at all on that spike from which the tip had broken from. To Sue, that's amusing that one can be "abusive" in cutting all the stems while the other can "baby" the same kind of plant and have different results. It is also scary in a sense that you don't know what is the right approach. Before I continue, I want to share with you what I have learned so far. I had done some further google-research about my orchid and determined that it is a reed-stem 'Epidendrum secundum'. The following quotes are taken from the September 1998 issue of 'Orchids' (the magazine of the American Orchid Society) written by Andy Phillips and Cynthia Hill: "'Epidendrum secundum' (Andes of South America) has an upright, clumping growth habit with roots emerging from the base of the stems, at or below soil level. It readily forms keikis on old flower spikes. The leafy stems range from 1 to 30 inches, producing a ball of 30 to 40 brilliantly colored 1-inch flowers on 18 inch terminal spikes." "('Epidendrums') are easily propagated, yielding many plants from one stem," "To keep your reed-stem plant tidy, remove old flower spikes and stems down to the base by snapping them clean with your fingers or cutting with sterile clippers. This makes room for strong, new basal growths, while discouraging keikis from forming that produce shorter, smaller spikes and turn into messy, tangled plants if left untended. Plants grown in low light may need to be staked, while those growing in full sun are usually self-supporting." Since I'm going to receive a replacement, I might as well take chances with the one I have. I want to cut off that tall stem with a broken spike to its base. My question is this, where do I exactly cut the stem? Just how far above the root? Joan |
#9
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On 18 Oct 2004 07:38:14 -0700, (Joan)
wrote: Before I continue, I want to share with you what I have learned so far. I had done some further google-research about my orchid and determined that it is a reed-stem 'Epidendrum secundum'. The following quotes are taken from the September 1998 issue of 'Orchids' (the magazine of the American Orchid Society) written by Andy Phillips and Cynthia Hill: "'Epidendrum secundum' (Andes of South America) has an upright, clumping growth habit with roots emerging from the base of the stems, at or below soil level. It readily forms keikis on old flower spikes. The leafy stems range from 1 to 30 inches, producing a ball of 30 to 40 brilliantly colored 1-inch flowers on 18 inch terminal spikes." "('Epidendrums') are easily propagated, yielding many plants from one stem," "To keep your reed-stem plant tidy, remove old flower spikes and stems down to the base by snapping them clean with your fingers or cutting with sterile clippers. This makes room for strong, new basal growths, while discouraging keikis from forming that produce shorter, smaller spikes and turn into messy, tangled plants if left untended. Plants grown in low light may need to be staked, while those growing in full sun are usually self-supporting." Since I'm going to receive a replacement, I might as well take chances with the one I have. I want to cut off that tall stem with a broken spike to its base. My question is this, where do I exactly cut the stem? Just how far above the root? Joan Mine was blooming at about 5 feet tall when I purchased it. It now blooms at a height over 6 feet and shades the south end of the walk in the gh. Guess I will have to get in and 'clean' it up next year. I have just let it go. I have not noticed any keikies on it. But I have not looked for them. It has roots here and there up to about 8" above the pot. SuE http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/albums.php |
#10
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Susan Erickson wrote in message . ..
On Sat, 16 Oct 2004 21:00:35 GMT, "Gene Schurg" wrote: Joan, Unfortunately there is no magic bullet to save the spike. If it is not completely severed from the plant you could try to put a wire splint in the pot and tie the spike to the splint. If this won't work cut it off where the spike is broken and it may send out another branch if there are buds below the break that are sleeping. I don't think Epi's normally have branching spikes so I doubt you will get another branch on this plant. Otherwise, give it lots of light and care for it appropriately and you should enjoy blooms in the future. It is very difficult to ship orchids in spike and bloom. At least S&H will send you another plant to enjoy. Good Growing, Gene Although you don't normally expect reed stem Epi to branch; I have a friend who cut all her's for a funeral arrangement. They all rebloomed. Since I have been paying more attention to mine. There seems to be as much reason to believe they will as not. Good Luck. SuE http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/albums.php Sue, I should have previewed my latest message (this morning, Oct 18) before posting it. My response to you could be misconstrued. When I said "It is also scary in a sense that you don't know what is the right approach", what I really meant was that one doesn't know what is the right approach. It has nothing to do with you personally. Sorry for the mistake. Joan |
#11
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Susan Erickson wrote in message . ..
On Sat, 16 Oct 2004 21:00:35 GMT, "Gene Schurg" wrote: Joan, Unfortunately there is no magic bullet to save the spike. If it is not completely severed from the plant you could try to put a wire splint in the pot and tie the spike to the splint. If this won't work cut it off where the spike is broken and it may send out another branch if there are buds below the break that are sleeping. I don't think Epi's normally have branching spikes so I doubt you will get another branch on this plant. Otherwise, give it lots of light and care for it appropriately and you should enjoy blooms in the future. It is very difficult to ship orchids in spike and bloom. At least S&H will send you another plant to enjoy. Good Growing, Gene Although you don't normally expect reed stem Epi to branch; I have a friend who cut all her's for a funeral arrangement. They all rebloomed. Since I have been paying more attention to mine. There seems to be as much reason to believe they will as not. Good Luck. SuE http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/albums.php Sue, I should have previewed my latest message (this morning, Oct 18) before posting it. My response to you could be misconstrued. When I said "It is also scary in a sense that you don't know what is the right approach", what I really meant was that one doesn't know what is the right approach. It has nothing to do with you personally. Sorry for the mistake. Joan |
#12
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On 18 Oct 2004 09:50:26 -0700, (Joan)
wrote: Sue, I should have previewed my latest message (this morning, Oct 18) before posting it. My response to you could be misconstrued. When I said "It is also scary in a sense that you don't know what is the right approach", what I really meant was that one doesn't know what is the right approach. It has nothing to do with you personally. Sorry for the mistake. Joan Don't worry - I did not read it personally. G The rules are written so the plants can laugh at us as they do something outside the rules. Good growing and Good Luck with the recovering Reed Stem Epi. SuE http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/albums.php |
#13
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On 18 Oct 2004 09:50:26 -0700, (Joan)
wrote: Sue, I should have previewed my latest message (this morning, Oct 18) before posting it. My response to you could be misconstrued. When I said "It is also scary in a sense that you don't know what is the right approach", what I really meant was that one doesn't know what is the right approach. It has nothing to do with you personally. Sorry for the mistake. Joan Don't worry - I did not read it personally. G The rules are written so the plants can laugh at us as they do something outside the rules. Good growing and Good Luck with the recovering Reed Stem Epi. SuE http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/albums.php |
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