Interesting discussion Carl, no problem with name but it was kind of spooky as my wife's name is Robin.
How long have you been growing Epis.
Green waste mulch from our dump is a problem. We fear picking up Fire Ants. The county also throws in wooden pallets which could be treated and lots of nails. I had one load delivered some years ago and found plastic and parts of golf balls. It was like an archeological dig.
Yes, scale was a big problem for me last year, and branch rot. Worst case I have had in years. Lost quite a few older plants. Spraying and hand wiping branches.
Sounds like we both need a support group for our obsession. Can you post some pics of your plants, I'm curious to see your overcrowding. I find it difficult to give away my "children" once they are growing. My greenhouse is like the International Space Station - I keep adding rooms.
The variety I am now growing from seed is a fast grower. I did some Curly Locks seeds 18 months ago and they are now blooming. But beware, some of the regular Epis take seven years or more to get to bloom age. I did some of those some years ago and they have still not bloomed. Its a labor or love for those kinds but something everyone should do once.
Enough for now, must go out and look for more buds!
Mike
