Dropping leaves,
I received a couple wees ago an Epidenrum 'Red Glow'
About a week ago, some of the lower leaves started dropping. There was no discoloration of the leaves. The plant arrive in tight but.
It's in the usual s/sw facing window with a sheer curtain. The medium I allow to just to the point of dryness then water throughly.
The plant is about 3 ft. from the window.
The temps in day=about 80=85. The humidity = about 68. It's in a 4 in. plastic pot. I water when the medium reaches just to the point of dryness.
Any suggestions please? L.

What medium is it in?

Hey snandea2
Thanks for asking. I just checked to it appears to be a soil-mix. I'm really surprised by that as I expected a bark medium. This is of concern to me. As I was checking just then, more bottom leaves fell but without any discoloration of leaves.
Please tell me if I should asap repot in bar mix even at this stage? If this should have been bark mix, just as soon as Logees opens, I'm going to phone them and express my anger. Thanks. L..
Please respond asap.

I would call calmly and ask why they think it is dying and if the medium is correct. Does the soil mix have chunks and stuff in it? They do grow in the ground in FL. I've had them growing in various media. Here's a discussion. http://forums2.gardenweb.com/f...

One can see Reed stem Epidendrums growing on slopes in areas of South America, not really epiphytic, but well drained. And they grow totally out in the open in full sun.
Just something to consider when growing some of these nice hybrids.
I would think you bought this pretty plant
http://www.logees.com/prodinfo...

Hey Boo and Ursula, Thanks for the info. I was really worried but I confirmed with Logee's they grow them in a terrestrial mix The leaf drop, they said, might be as a result of climate/light changes related to shipping and acclimation. Too, they said that if there were no yellow or brown leaves, all should be well after a week or two. Shweeeee!!!
Thanks for the links. I think if a person can't successfully grown and Epi. then he should hang it up.
Lee

Hi Kevin,
First, let me say, I am by no means an expert, as I defer to Ursula and Kathy.
I have bought orchids myself only to find them growing in improper mediums such as Growmix or spagnum moss.
I repot asap into the correct medium for the plant, to save their lives.
(If it looks like soil, the bark medium could have broken down.)
The first thing I do upon receiving a new orchid is to repot it in new medium and a clean pot.
That is to minimize bringing "things" into my home. For instance I have found a few worms in pots before.
It also allows me to know how old the medium is, thus when to repot again.
This also allows me to get a good look at the condition of the roots---most important.
Let us know how you do!

Janice great advice!!

Thanks, Kathy!

Yes id repot it either into a coarser mix or mount it. We have these epi's growing everywhere around here just as air plants, growing up trees/tree ferns, hardly needing soil..and they dont get watered much. I'll get a photo to show you.

Thanks Sandnsea2 and Bree
Good advice and thanks for sharing.
Up until this time, I always received all my plants in the appropriate mix. This was an exception,(regarding the Epi. 'Red Glow') I'm afraid to say. Logees apologized and will replace next week. I was so impressed when I received it as it was in perfect condition. But gradually... Then I got angry, It was on of the few plants which I have been toying with buying for a while. And this. Sure, it's not the end of the world but nevertheless, I hated it. Margaret, at Logees, could not have been nicer. I recommend her highly.
The only other problem I'm having with the others is the Ang. Grandalena. The older, outer leaves are yellowing regardless of my feeding it. So, this one is destined to the rubbish heap as I haven't the time nor inclination to tend sick plants. I suppose the only plant I'd tend back to health would be a Ghost orchid should I ever be lucky enough to get a CITES approved one.
I'm getting mixed opinions regarding lifting or not lifting the sheer from the orchids. Some are saying life the curtains. Others are sying to do so. However, like many, the sun here is still bright.
One good news is I'm getting another bloom spike from a psychopsis I bought a couple monts go.I was told by Carten and Holmes to stake it only when it is about 8-9 inches lest I break it. For me, this is unusual as. It's planted as it arrived in tree fern fiber which I like in the first.
So, I suppose all is well on these red clay mountains for the time being.
Until later, Lee

Lee, Glad to hear that Logees is resolving the issue. Great that your Psychopsis is spiking!

Jake and his dad inspected the greenhouse today and Jake was particularly smitten with the Ornithophora radicans. He held on tightly to a couple of spikes.
http://www.kammlott.net/Ghinsp...
These photos also put the size of the Ornithophora into perspective.
All thumbs are linked....

Too cute, Ursula. He has impeccable taste in orchids I see (pun intended).

Doesn't he!!

How adorable!

Very sweet!

I babysit him Tuesdays and Thursdays, he is a lot of fun!! Such a cuddle-bug too. His parents stopped by with him today for a short visit.

How Precious! From the serious expressions, it looks like you have an orchid judge in the making.