Epidendrum Orchid Growing in Water
Channel: zuditaka
Date: 04/11/2011

Here I am, pottering about in the conservatory, and looking at one of my favourite plants--an Epidendrum orchid. They are commonly called "Crucifix Orchids" in Australia. (Due, I think, to a cross-like pattern on the petals.)

Somewhere from tropical America, I think, they have come. These orchids are very tough, and can grow outdoors, in the soil, in warmer climates like Sydney--that have plenty of summer rain, and winters that aren't too cold. Elsewhere, they do better indoors, in the cold wintertime--like where I am. 

Of course, they do better in rich soil or orchid compost than the water I grow them in. But they amuse me as friendly and intelligent plants that can survive indefinitely in bottles of water on one's own window sill, and I always admire their pretty aerial roots.

You can easily buy cuttings of these orchid plants on eBay. Best to buy them at the coolest time of year, so they won't be "cooked" inside the package during the hottest time of year! Easy to grow and  multiply in pots on your window sill. Lots of fun to grow this "Poor Man's Orchid". You might even start $elling them on eBay!

.....