Reed orchids are known for their striking, long-lasting blooms and cane-like growth. Often called crucifix orchids due to their cross-shaped lower lip, these resilient plants are popular with enthusiasts for their vibrant flowers and straightforward care, adding continuous color.
Reed Orchid Cultivation Fundamentals
Light Needs
Reed orchids thrive in bright, indirect light, tolerating some direct morning sun. Intense midday sun bronzes or scorches foliage. Insufficient light causes leggy growth and reduced flowering. Optimal light may tint leaves reddish.
Watering Practices
Consistent watering benefits reed orchids, especially during active growth. Water copiously, ensuring free drainage to prevent mineral buildup and root problems. Keep roots moist year-round, but avoid standing water to prevent root rot. Allow the potting mix to dry slightly between waterings, particularly in cooler months or less active periods.
Temperature and Humidity
Reed orchids tolerate a wide range of temperatures, preferring daytime temperatures of 60-90°F (15-32°C) and nighttime temperatures of 55-60°F (12-15°C). Though they appreciate warm, humid climates, typical home humidity (50-70%) is sufficient. Lower humidity can be compensated by adequate watering, as they prioritize root hydration.
Potting Mix and Fertilization
A well-draining, coarse orchid mix, containing fir bark, perlite, or coconut chips, is ideal for potted reed orchids. Terrestrial varieties can use a fast-draining loamy soil. Fertilize regularly during the active growing season (spring through fall) with a balanced orchid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20). Dilute to half or quarter strength, applying every two weeks or with every other watering. Reduce or stop fertilization in winter.
Repotting Reed Orchids
Repot reed orchids every one to two years, or when they outgrow their container. Signs include roots pushing out, broken-down media, or tangled roots. The best time is early summer when new growth appears, or post-blooming.
To repot, gently remove the orchid and old potting medium. Inspect roots, trimming dead, mushy, or black sections with sterilized snips. Select a new pot one size larger with good drainage. Place fresh, well-draining orchid mix at the bottom, position the orchid, and fill around the roots to eliminate air gaps. After repotting, water thoroughly, then withhold watering for a week or two to allow roots to settle.
Propagating Reed Orchids
Reed orchids are easy to propagate, primarily via stem cuttings or division. For stem cuttings, select a healthy cane at least 12 inches long with several leaf nodes. Section this into 3-4 inch pieces, each with a bud or node. Allow cut ends to callus for hours or overnight before planting.
Plant cuttings horizontally into a moist potting medium like sphagnum moss or orchid mix, burying them three nodes deep. Maintain consistent moisture and bright, indirect light until roots and shoots develop. Division during repotting is another method, separating larger plants into smaller sections, each with roots and canes. Keikis (small plantlets) on old canes or flower spikes can be detached once rooted and potted individually.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or natural aging. If leaves are yellow and soft, overwatering is likely, leading to root rot. Prevent this by drying the potting mix slightly between waterings.
Lack of blooms stems from insufficient light; relocate the plant to a brighter spot or use artificial light. Incorrect temperatures or inconsistent fertilization hinder blooming. While robust, reed orchids can encounter pests like aphids, mealybugs, and scale, especially in greenhouses. Treat pests by wiping with rubbing alcohol or using insecticidal soap. Mushy roots signal overwatering and potential root rot, requiring immediate attention to watering and repotting into fresh, well-draining media.