Epigeneium sanseiense

Also known as: The San Shin Epigeneium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The San Shin Epigeneium is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. It is named after the Mountain In Taiwan.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 4cm. Each new growth has a single erect oblong shaped leaf that grows to 1-8cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.6-2cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth and can form a mat over time

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Charcoal
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 46mm to 912mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 78% to 92%, highest in August and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 4C to 21C, highest in August (13C to 21C) and lowest in January (4C to 14C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.